Progress Update: Construction Timeline

Dear Thoreau’s Backyard Community,

We hope you're enjoying summer! We're excited to share that the first phase of construction is about to begin at Thoreau! Here’s a tentative timeline for what to expect in the coming months:

Phase I: Equipment & “Fall Zone” Surfacing (August)

• Site Preparation: Week of July 28th

• Equipment Installation: Weeks of August 4th & 11th

• Rubber Surfacing Installation: Week of August 18
  

Phase II: Nature Play and Landscaping (October):

• Paths, boulders, and other hardscaping

• Playhouses, picnic tables, benches, and more

• Trees, shrubs, and natural plantings

Illustration of playground construction phases.

Note: A temporary path will be created as part of Phase I to ensure the rubberized fall zones are accessible for the month or so before the more permanent paths are constructed.

While Phase I will be done entirely by professional contractors, we’re excited about involving community volunteers wherever possible in Phase II—more details to come!

A Quick Fundraising Update

Thanks to the generosity of this community, to date we’ve raised $637,041!

It’s not too late to be part of this project—every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. While the equipment selection is locked in, your donations will further enhance the hardscaping, structures, and plantings of Phase II in October.

We can’t wait to see our kids enjoying their new play space soon!

Warmly,

Thoreau Playground Committee

Mitch Brooks, Chair (1st grade, William)
Justin Sparks, Principal
Cristina Aspuru Viciana (2nd Grade, Anabel)
Benjamin Klein (4th Grade, Max; 1st Grade, Nathan)
Michael LeFante (3rd Grade, Gabriel; K, Mila)
Adrienne Query-Fiss (5th Grade, Zaik; 4th Grade, Daniel)
Erin Sahacic (4th Grade, Vanessa)
Matt Strauchon (1st Grade, John)
Carrie Rankin, School Committee Rep (5th Grade, Cooper; 3rd Grade, Leah; K, Micaela)
Courtney Ward (2nd grade, Zoe)