James John Playground Fundraiser Nears Goal

PORTLAND, OR — For the past month, the James John Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association has sought donations to rebuild the school's now-mostly-empty playground. This week, the fundraiser organized on GoFundMe surpassed $12,000 of the $20,000 goal.

According to the story on GoFundMe, written by Amy Occhialino, Portland Public Schools in 2017 determined the playground had reached its lifespan; unsafe and unfixable decades-old playground equipment needed to be removed, Occhialino wrote, but the district apparently couldn't afford to replace it.

"A year later, the situation remains the same: three old-fashioned structures float aimlessly in a vast sea of wet wood chips, dirt and debris," she said. "Kids are turned off. Teachers see problems. Everybody loses."

Thanks to the donations of more than 180 people, the playground may have a future yet. But replacing the playground is not as simple as just buying new equipment, Occhialino explained.

"The James John K-2 playground is old-fashioned. It requires preparation before the installation of new playground equipment and surfacing," she said. "This means the removal of old materials and soil, followed by the addition of a simple drainage system."

Additionally, she continued, old concrete needs replacing and ADA ramps into the play area will be necessary to meet accessibility requirements.

"The cost for a modest new playground for James John is approximately $55,000," Occhialino said. "These funds will cover the preparation of the site and the purchase and installation of new equipment and Engineered Wood Fiber surfacing. Creating a safe, truly accessible space for all children to use, despite ability, is important to the James John community ... but sadly, it is a costly portion of this project. "

Depending on the amount raised, Occhialino said, the James John PTA will purchase either Engineered Wood Fiber surfacing or ADA-accessible rubber surfacing, which is apparently preferred.

"But realistically, it just may not be possible, as it doubles the cost of this project," she said. "Still, despite these financial challenges, Equity and Access remain core aspects of James John's identity and teachings."

James John is a Title 1A school, Occhialino said, which means the Elementary and Secondary Education Act ensures funding assistance for the school because 94 percent of its student body is considered economically underprivileged. However, the funding is to help students reach academic standards — not for playgrounds.

"And that's where you come in," Occhialino said. "The James John community is working double-time to make this dream a reality. And that dream is simply: for kids from a poor school to have a nice place to play.

"We proudly promote awareness and appreciation for all individual differences and we embrace every diversity. And we mean it," she continued. "Play is for everyone, at every age, and every level of ability. Join us."

Images via GoFundMe

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