Help Build the Future of the Franklin Playground!
Our goal is to transform the Franklin playground into a vibrant, safe, and inclusive space where every child in our community can belong and grow.
Donate $750 or more to add your name or a message to the new Lakeside fence!
The Vision: Why This Matters
The Franklin Playground is more than a place to play – it’s the center of the Franklin community. Unfortunately some important and immediate repairs are needed to keep the playground safe. These necessary repairs, however, present a rare opportunity: not only to fix what is broken, but to thoughtfully redesign the playground into a space that reflects Franklin’s values of inclusion, safety, and belonging.
Playgrounds are where children build confidence, friendships, and social skills. When a playground is inaccessible or unsafe, it unintentionally excludes children and families from these shared community experiences. At Franklin, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to play and connect side by side with their peers.
By investing in an updated playground now, we can address long-standing safety concerns, including aging infrastructure and drainage issues that create hazardous icy conditions, while also creating a more welcoming, inclusive environment for all students. This is not just a facilities upgrade; it is an investment in our children, our families, and the future of the Franklin community.
Our Values
Our redesign is guided by four core pillars:
Inclusion & Accessibility
Ensuring every child, regardless of ability, can play together and no child is left on the sidelines.
Safety First
Modernizing infrastructure and remediating long-standing drainage issues that cause the blacktop to be unsafe in icy and rainy conditions, which are present throughout most of the school year.
Natural Play
Integrating greenspace and gardens to connect our kids with the environment and allow students and staff to use this space throughout the core K-2 curriculum that looks at trees, birds, and pollinators.
Community
Creating a central space for families to gather and grow, strengthening the community/school relationships and fostering belonging.
Project Timeline: A Four-Year Transformation
We are tackling this build through strategic annual phases to ensure steady progress, fiscal responsibility and minimal disruption to play.
Phase I (2026): Fixing the Foundation ($200K)
Focusing on essential infrastructure, with a focus on improving blacktop drainage to enhance safety. We will also add a new swing set that includes additional swing options for accessible play.
Phase II (2027): Inclusive Play ($165K)
Seeding new grass areas, adding gardens, and adding additional inclusive playground equipment We will also add a concrete track designed for walking, running, biking, and scooters.
Phase III (2028): Connecting Play & Community ($165K)
Redesigning the entrance to the 4K corral and relocating the existing shade structure to better . Laying fresh asphalt, completing the track, and installing a new outdoor stage to support play, performance, and community gatherings.
Phase IV (2029): New Ways to Play ($220 K)
Adding a new large play structure that aims to include every child with several access points and many climbing options.
What’s Included?
Phase 1: Playground Updates Coming Summer 2026!
We’re planning to break ground in summer 2026 on the first stage of Franklin’s playground transformation.
Phase 1 will include:
- Improved drainage: Installing a storm inlet to help water flow out of the playground.
- New fencing: Removing the existing fence, repairing the foundation wall, and installing a new fence.
- New Swings: Adding new swings, including a few accessible swings and the new Flexx swing that was voted on by the Franklin students.
Stretch Goal:
If fundraising goals are met, the project will be expanded to include three additional pieces of playground equipment designed with accessibility as a key priority: a We-saw, a ReviWheel Spinner, and a Curved Balance Beam. These features will provide inclusive play opportunities, ensuring that children of varying abilities can engage, explore, and enjoy the space together.
Phase 2 & Beyond
Once Phase 1 is complete, we plan to continue transforming the playground in additional phases as funding allows. Our current long-term vision includes:
Phase 2: Add Greenspace and the Track
- Convert half of the existing blacktop into grass.
- Expand bio-infiltration and pollinator gardens to continue improving stormwater management.
- Add additional playground equipment including a cozy dome, a chill spinner, and a new climbing structure.
- Add the full concrete track
Phase 3: Connect the 4K Playground, New Asphalt, Natural Play Areas, and a Stage
- Update the 4K space to connect more seamlessly with the larger playground.
- Add green spaces to the 4K area to assist with stormwater management.
- Replace the remaining asphalt and repaint the surface.
- Add a stage area for performances and gatherings.
- Include natural play elements along the track for imaginative play.
- Relocate the shade structure.
Phase 4: Large Play Structure Addition
- Replace the oldest play structure with an inclusive Volo play system designed for children of all abilities. With accessible entry points and a range of climbing options for all skill levels, it accommodates many children and offers something for everyone.
Become a Part of the Legacy
We need our wonderful community to help close the funding gap to make this project a success. Please donate now to help us achieve this goal and contribute to the future of the Franklin community.
Donate $750 or more to add your name or a message to the new Lakeside fence.
