Open for Play, and More this Spring!

Dear Thoreau’s Backyard Community,

What a joy it has been to see kids using the new playground equipment these past few days! Phase I of construction is nearly complete, and the energy at dismissal has been incredible. The “treehouse,” the boulders, the spinners, and everything else are already being enthusiastically put to good use.

After school fun on the playground equipment.

What’s Next: Nature Play and Landscaping this Spring

With the completion of Phase I, we now have the equipment areas with accessible rubber surfacing. These provide a wide variety of opportunities for kids to climb, spin, and test their strength and coordination in exciting new ways.

Phase II will add natural, park-like elements such as playhouses, a sandpit, paths, boulders, and trees to create even more opportunities for exploration, diverse sensory experiences, and open-ended imaginative play.

Together, these two components of the play space ensure the playground is inclusive and offers meaningful opportunities for every child.

Rendering of Thoreau’s Backyard including Phase II

Phase II construction is scheduled to begin in the spring rather than the fall. This timing will make it easier to coordinate with other outdoor improvements at Thoreau and to plan the community-build elements well in advance. We will share more details and opportunities to get involved over the winter.

Thank You

We are grateful for the enthusiasm, support, and teamwork that have carried this project to where it is today. Phase I has already brought so much joy, and Phase II will truly transform this space into something extraordinary.

We can’t wait to build the next chapter together!

Warmly,
The Thoreau Playground Committee