The Karen McDonald Playground: A Tribute to a Beloved Teacher

Kids play on the Karen McDonald Early Childhood Playground at the dedication on 9/20/24

After raising more than $450,000 for the project, we completed work on the Karen McDonald Early Childhood Playground in early September 2024. Early childhood students love their new playground complete with merry-go-round, jungle gym, sandbox, roller slide, and balance beam. It's a joy to see students spinning, running, jumping, and laughing in this warm and welcoming space. Many thanks to the generous donors who helped make this vision a reality!

 

In honor of long-time toddler teacher and director of aftercare and summer programs, we named this space after Karen McDonald. She passed away after a valiant battle against cancer in 2020. Karen was passionate about play and early childhood education. She was beloved by our community and had an incredible impact on the lives of her students and colleagues.

 

Kids play on the Karen McDonald Early Childhood Playground at the dedication on 9/20/24

On September 20, 2024, we welcomed Karen’s family and friends to a dedication for the new Early Childhood Playground. At the service, St. Paul’s staff and alumni shared about Karen’s commitment to St. Paul’s students, her love for the outdoors, and her fun, adventurous, and warm spirit.

 

Outdoor play is a critical piece of the St. Paul’s education, particularly in our Early Childhood program as children develop motor skills, build confidence, and become more independent. With her 30+ years of experience teaching in Early Childhood, we know Karen would have loved this space and how it serves our students. It’s a gift to our community that Karen’s memory will live on at St. Paul’s for generations to come.