Playground Transformations
Help Us Transform the Karen McDonald Early Childhood Playground
We are are eager to make critical repairs to the east Early Childhood playground. This space is an extension of our toddler and preschool classrooms, and it is vital that we make needed playground improvements in summer 2024. Fundraising efforts continue, but click here to see a list of Karen McDonald Playground supporters to date.
In honor of long-time toddler teacher and director of aftercare and summer programs, we are naming 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.
Help us honor Karen and make our outdoor play vision a reality for our youngest students!
Outdoor play is a critical part of St. Paul's education. We recognize the social emotional and wellness benefits for students across all age groups.
Why We're Honoring Karen Through Play
Click on the video below to learn why Karen was so special to our community and why she would have loved this project. Plus, hear from current early childhood teachers about why outdoor play is a critical piece of learning for our youngest students.
Karen McDonald Early Childhood Playground Renderings
What We Have Accomplished So Far
Through individual gifts, pledges, and Fund-A-Vision donations at our past two auctions, we raised more than $1,300,000 toward our west and south playground transformations. Click here to see the list of supporters for our west and south playgrounds.
In September 2021, we completed our West Playground for first and second grades. In October 2022, we completed the South Playground for third through eighth grade. Students are enjoying the new play equipment, outdoor classroom, bench seating, expanded sport field, and cheery landscaping. Keep scrolling to see images of our new play spaces.
West Playground - completed in 2021
South Playground - completed in 2022
Support Our Vision
To learn more about the full master plan and how you can join this vision for outdoor play, please contact Michelle Rodriguez, Director of Development, at mrodriguez@speds.org.