Princeton Inclusive Playground

Every day at Princeton Primary and Intermediate Schools, laughter fills the air as children run, climb, and play during recess. But at the edge of the playground, a few children wait on the sidewalk, watching their friends play just a few feet away.

They wait because the ground is covered in woodchips. And wheelchairs can’t roll through woodchips.

One of those students is full of energy and personality. She rolls into the classroom each morning with a spark that everyone feels. Her smile is bright, her voice is confident, and she’s never afraid to speak up. But when recess comes, her spark dims a little. She waits for someone to lift her onto the one inclusive swing—the only piece of equipment she can use. While she swings for a few minutes, her friends sit nearby in their wheelchairs, waiting for their turn.

Then the bell rings, and recess is over.

“It’s not fair that some of our friends can’t join in on the fun during recess,” one of her classmates said recently. Another added, “Please help us make it a place where everyone can play together.”

Their words are simple, but they carry so much truth. No child should have to sit on the sidelines while their friends play just a few feet away. Every child deserves to move, laugh, and feel included. That’s what the Inclusive Playground Project is all about.

Right now, the playground surface is a barrier. But it doesn’t have to be.

With your help, we can install poured-in-place access pads. Smooth, safe pathways that connect every part of the playground. These access pads will allow children and caregivers of all abilities to move freely and play side by side.

Each access pad costs about $15,000, and we need eight in total as part of our overall $350,000 fundraising goal to make the Inclusive Playground a reality.

During this Give to the Max campaign, we’re focusing on raising enough to fund one access pad. Your gift can help us reach that goal!

Just imagine what will change.

Children who once waited on the concrete will now race across the playground. They’ll swing, spin, climb, and laugh with their friends.

And our spunky student, the one whose joy fills every room, will no longer wait for someone to carry her to the swing. She’ll get there on her own.

Your gift today can help make that happen.

When you give, you’re not just helping build a playground. You’re building belonging. You’re helping create a space where children of all abilities can grow, connect, and share in the simple joy of play. You’re sending a message to every child: You belong here.

“Everyone deserves to have fun at recess,” one student said. “We want to make sure everyone can play together.”

Your generosity can make that dream come true.

Please take a moment today to give. Whether large or small, every gift moves us closer to a playground where no child feels left out. Every dollar helps smooth the way for more joy, more friendship, and more laughter.

When the new inclusive playground opens, we’ll see it come to life: Children rolling, running, swinging, and spinning together. No more waiting on the sidewalk. No more sitting out. Just kids being kids.

That’s the spirit of play. That’s the power of inclusion. And it starts with you.

Please give today to help build an inclusive playground where every child belongs.

With gratitude,

The Princeton PTO and the Inclusive Playground Committee

🧡🐾If I donate, how will my money be used?

Outdoor play is one of the most important parts of childhood. It’s where kids learn to share, take turns, solve problems, and build friendships that last. But for too many children that are differently abled-abled, traditional playgrounds make that impossible.

Your donation helps change that. Every dollar goes directly toward building inclusive, accessible playgrounds at Princeton Primary and Intermediate Schools.  Places where all children can play side by side, regardless of ability. Funds are used for things like smooth poured-in-place surfacing, adaptive swings, wheelchair-accessible pathways, and sensory play features that welcome every child.

The Princeton PTO manages all donations locally, ensuring your gift goes straight into the playground project, not administration.

When you give, you’re doing more than building playgrounds, you’re building belonging. You’re giving every child the chance to climb, spin, laugh, and make memories with friends. Because all kids deserve the joy of play.

How much do I have to give? 🐅🐾 

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference!

🧡 $10 helps buy a bag of playground surfacing materials

🐾 $25 supports sensory play features that spark curiosity

🐯 $50 helps fund adaptive equipment for kids of all abilities

🏗️ $100+ moves us closer to completing the inclusive playgrounds

Whether you give a little or a lot, your donation helps build a place where every child can play, belong, and be seen. Together, we’re making inclusion part of every child’s story.

🧡🐯🧡Thank You for Making Play Possible 🧡🐯🧡