Q. Does the school community really want the playground renovation?
A. The Spring-2010 PTSA survey indicates that playground renovation is, by far, the #1 PTSA fundraising priority for families.  In 1990 parents were so concerned with the condition of the playground that they set aside $20,000 to be applied to future capital improvements to the playground.  In 2007 students wrote a letter to the JSIS principal requesting a safer playground with less asphalt and more play opportunities.  In 2008 a group of parents began the process of finding ways to address both parents and students concern.  
 
 
Q. The playground seems okay to me.  Why should I be interested?
A. Seattle Public Schools has no budget for playground improvements.  With limited funds, the district is only able to address serious safety issues.  Yet, the average JSIS student spends 100 hours/year on our playground.  (Kindergarten, 1st grade and LSA students even more hours.)  The playground equipment at our school is over 12 years old and is really geared towards kids less than 8 years of age.  And we have the smallest playground in the district for a school our size.  We need more play opportunities for all kids!!
Phase 1 construction plans will add a new play structure and make the space more accessible.  By removing concrete barriers and ramps that divide the playground, the kids will find it easier to safely run around.
Finally, our physical education teacher uses the playground space and Phase 1 improvements will offer better choices for gym classes.  The new net climbing structure is a great tool to challenge kids and build upper body strength.
 
 
 
Q. What can I do to help? It is difficult for my family to donate to this project.
A. In order to purchase the net climbing structure, the priority at this stage is monetary donations.  No amount is too small.  Whether families donate $25 or $200 we will still be able to make progress during summer construction.
Have you thought of asking grandparents or other family members to donate $25-50 towards your child’s daily play?  This is often a willing, yet untapped, group and all amounts are appreciated.
 Can you donate time? Our playground team is small and we would welcome more volunteers to help with fundraising, demolition, construction management & communication to our community.
 
 
Q. Are JSIS families the only ones donating towards this huge project?
A. No.   Actually, we have gotten a total of $30,000 from Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods towards design costs and $15,000 toward Phase 1 of construction.  In additional, Latona School Associates has donated a generous $25,000.   And, local businesses & neighbors have donated goods and money towards our project. 
Finally, because of the scale of this project the playground team will continue to write grants to foundations and organizations that support schools and playground projects.
 
 
Q. How much will the Phase 1 West Playground construction cost? 
A. We need to have approximately $143,000 dollars to complete the west side of the playground. This is based on cost estimates from the architect and will be confirmed once we have formal construction bids in July.  We continue to look for ways to reduce the construction cost as the plans are being finalized over the next month. 
We currently have $63,000 donated towards Phase 1.  That means that we need approximately $80,000 to finish Phase 1 construction.
The funds we already have ($63,000) will allow us to do the foundational work for the new net structure.  If we reach our July 1st fundraising goal of $30,000, we will be able to purchase and install the net play structure before school starts in September – this is the current priority.
Additional Phase 1 construction will be done in future periods, as funds become available.
 
 

Q. Why is it so expensive to renovate the playground?
A. The JSIS play structure predates the building renovation.  It is surrounded by thick concrete walls that restrict access to the structure, obstruct views and are not meeting accessibility code.  Removal of the concrete ramp and walls is necessary to improve access, circulation and increase the size of the soft-surface play area.  The proposed changes to our playground require infrastructure improvements such as concrete removal, retaining walls, soil movement, and fence changes.  Additional costs include built-in benches, picnic tables, bike rakes, and landscaping materials.  Finally, approved safety-compliant play structures are expensive.  The mid-size net climber we are proposing costs $25,000 - $30,000.
Important to note when discussing project costs is that Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle requires that we have a “15% safety net of funds” above and beyond the estimated costs.  This requires the fundraising goal to be a bit higher than actual money used during the phase 1 construction. 
 
 
A. Why does the Phase 1 summer construction plan look different than the original Master Plan designed in 2008?  Phase 1 only includes the west portion of the playground.
A. The playground team has tried to stay true to the original plan.  However, requirements from the school district have limited some concepts.  For example, we are not able to remove any of the existing hard surface play courts on the east side of the playground.  And, the current playground equipment still has a “usable” life and can not be replaced, as intended by the original design.  Instead of locating the net play structure in the east side of the playground as indicated in the Master Plan we are installing a new net structure in the west area, which is currently under developed. 
Finally, the Master Plan is all-encompassing of the school grounds and would be quite expensive to accomplish all at once.  The phased approach to renovations will allow students to benefit from playground improvements now vs. waiting years.
 
 
Q. Are donations tax-deductible?
A. Yes.  The JSIS PTSA is a non-profit and your donation is tax deductible.  The Tax Id # is 94-3084553. 
 
 
Q. Can my company match this charitable donation?  How do I make sure the playground gets the funds?
A. Most companies have forms or online submissions that will allow for charitable match.  The company matches should go towards JSIS PTSA Playground Fund tax id #94-3084553.  If possible, please note “JSIS PTSA playground fund” clearly on company forms so that funds are deposited correctly.  If there is anything we can do to facilitate company matches please contact a member of the Playground Action Team.