Greenfield Community Schoolyard Update

After years of fundraising and preparation, Greenfield School finally has a playground! Many people and organizations came together to make it happen, and we're so grateful to everyone who helped make this dream come true.

Research has shown that playgrounds are important for childhood development. Playgrounds not only provide outdoor exercise, but they help kids socialize during recess. Greenfield School was one of the few elementary schools in the area without a playground - despite having been an elementary school for over 100 years!

As the playground project has unfolded, the PTO has gotten a lot of questions. We thought it would be helpful to provide answers here for the community's reference.

Q: When will the rest of the schoolyard project be completed?

The Community Schoolyard project has two phases:

• Phase 1: Overall design, playground equipment installation and trees surrounding it - COMPLETED

• Phase 2: Running/walking track, basketball court, greenery - FUNDRAISING IN PROGRESS

Phase 1 is now complete. In order to begin Phase 2, we need additional funds. If Congress approves community grant funding, Phase 2 will be funded by Congresswoman Summer Lee's office, which has approved Greenfield School for a community grant. However, community grant funding was cut from the 2025 budget, and we aren't certain what will happen in 2026. If you or someone you know wants to donate, please reach out to us.

Below is a visualization of the completed schoolyard design.

Q: How much did the playground cost?

Phase 1, the schoolyard design plus playground installation, cost around $240,000. Yes, it really did cost that much! As it turns out, playgrounds are very expensive. Here's a general cost breakdown:

• Schoolyard design: $50,000

• Equipment and Installation: $150,000

• Safety surface and installation: $40,000

For reference, the cost of the new playground in The Run was $450,000. It's about twice the size of the school playground.

Q: Will there be a fence?

The schoolyard design includes a "green" fence, which is a row of garden beds and trees that will divide the play space from the rest of the parking lot (see image). This is part of Phase 2. In the meantime, temporary fencing will be used around the playground.

Q: When can the playground be used?

During school hours, the playground will be accessible only to Greenfield School students. During afternoon dismissal, the playground will briefly shut down while students board the bus. After the bus leaves, the playground will reopen.

Outside of school hours, the playground is open to anyone in the community. All children must be accompanied by an adult when using the playground.

We will post updates about Phase 2 as we get them. If you have other questions, please email us. In the meantime, enjoy the playground!