OUR STORY
Our School District is situated on the shores of the beautiful Columbia River in Washington's Columbia River Gorge: 
The school is comprised of really great kids and an amazing staff. Unfortunately, the economics of our area make it difficult to provide the same opportunities kids in other communities get to enjoy. Over 75% of our kids come from families who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Roughly another 25% of our kids meet the federal definition of homeless. After 2 levy failures our school district desperately needed to save money, so the Board decided to consolidate our primary school with our secondary school onto just one campus.
THE PROJECT
On July 14th, all of the Lyle School families convened for a community meeting and for the playground Design Day. Children submitted their votes for a dream playground. Here they are pictured with one of our teachers as they cast their votes: 
They were then given to a playground designer who has incorporated their ideas into the final structure. The one they chose allows for a pretty rigorous physical component to build muscle, balance and confidence in our kids. Here is the one they chose:
Adults will have the opportunity to ask questions and volunteer to play an integral part in the playground building process. In September, at the actual playground build, the community will unite again for a day of drilling, hammering, painting, and landscaping. During the build, the children will have activities planned specifically for them, and the adults will work together with shovels, wrenches, and screwdrivers to assemble the play structure. Everyone will gather for lunch provided by the food committee and snacks will be available throughout the day. The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the completion of the build will be the highlight of the project. This will give our donors, community leaders, and children the opportunity to publicly thank the greater community for their help in developing and producing a play space where we can all gather for fun activities.
HOW CAN I HELP?
The only way this project will come to fruition is by being founded on the diverse and grassroots support of people like you working alongside of other community members. Our community has the rare opportunity to join together and make a positive difference in the lives of children. This project needs you to make it possible. We are requesting a tax-deductible donation of any size to help underwrite the costs of the playground. In exchange, you could be represented alongside our other sponsors on Build Day banners and on a permanent playground plaque which will be designed by the children. We know that the playground will not only be a safe space for children to learn and grow, but the process will act as a catalyst for long-term community investment, participation, and ownership. We need a partner, a friend, and an ally like you to build beside us, as we will all benefit from the well-being of our children.
THE BUDGET
We'd never ask you to donate without knowing where the money is going. Below is our approximate project budget:
Tools/Materials $37,400
Play equipment, Rental tools, Skilled operators
Shipping costs $5,000
Advertisement and Administration $1,500
Inlcudes: Promotional fliers, Banners, Sponsor recognition banner, Student designed Plaque
