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Though there may be some funds available through the town,this playground will be funded predominantly through fundrais-ing efforts of the Playground Committee. We need your help!

The Playground Committee is actively pursuing funding from

a variety of sources. There are community and school basedfundraisers planned and ongoing, the schools PCC group hasallocated funds from their annual fundraising campaigns, andwe have applied for many grants. Updates, fundraiser details,and reports are available on the website.

Corporate grants, sponsorships and donations, and even corpo-rate matching for employee donations are also being sought.The Playground Committee will provide any information need-ed and will readily support completion and submission of forms,etc.

Sponsorships

Private and corporate sponsorship opportunities area available

at many levels. Recognition will be provided on the playgroundwebsite, at fundraising events, and elsewhere when possible.

Sponsorship levels:

Up to $500 Friend of the Playground

$500+ Red Ladybug

$1000+ Silver Ladybug

$2,500+ Gold Ladybug

$5,000+ Diamond Ladybug

Grants

The committee is continually exploring potential grants to helpwith funding. Updates are on the website in a downloadable

file. We are reaching out to parents and the community forsuggestions of additional grant sources we can investigate.

Donations

Monetary donations in any amount are greatly appreciated!Visit our website for how to contribute direct donations. Dona-tions of skill, labor, tools, food and more will also be needed.Contact us for more information.

Fundraising

Many fundraising events are being planned. Check the websiteoften to help with or attend the next event. Contact the Play-

ground Committee anytime to suggest a fundraiser!

Every contribution helpsThank You!

Building a new...

KennedyCommunityPlayground

F u n d i n g t h e

P l a y g r o u n d

F o r K e n n e d y F a m i l i e sP a s t ,P r e s e n t ,F u t u r e ,& H o n o r a r y !

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Kennedy

Com

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unity

Playground

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ittee

www.kennedyplayground.com

KennedyParentCommunicationCouncil

KennedyElementarySchool

551PondSt.

Franklin,MA02038

8/3/2019 JF Kennedy Sch: New Playground Brochure

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A New Playground NeededThe parent community has been lobbying for a new play-

ground for several years. Additionally, the schools principal

has requested a new playground in the top 3 capital expendi-

tures budget for the last few years. In each case the play-

ground funding was denied as building maintenance and im-

provements have taken priority. Franklin has had limited

budgets for several years now, so the parent community at

Kennedy set aside $5000 in seed funds and dedicated a play-

ground committee to follow up. Additional funds have been

added, and may also be added to the account later this fiscal

year depending on availability. See the website for details.

Designs and PlansIt is incredible what a playground actually offers. While many

of us look at it as a big fun play space, it is actually an im-

portant aspect to a childs development. Working with a play-

ground consultant, the Playground Committee learned that

there is a prescription for a good playground which provides

children with various motor and sensory challenges as well as

socialization opportunities. The playground design proposed

offers all the elements prescribed and is aimed at an audience

aged 5-12 years. The inclusive design incorporates features for

accessibility, multiple play areas, and sensory events to support

children of all abilities.

Involving the StudentsNeedless to say, the students at Kennedy are very excited

about the prospect of a new playground. The Playground

Committee plans to also include them in the process! For

example, the schools Student Council will be asked for ideas

and help in fundraising, and all students will have their chance

to be heard as they will vote on which components they want

for some elements of the design.

Cost and TimingThe target budget to implement the new playground is

$85,000. To maximize using these funds on equipment for

the playground, the design incorporates as many existing

elements as possible, such as the poured-in-place accessibil-

ity mat. Additionally, expenses will be saved a community

build for the new playground, and the towns commitment

to remove and dispose of the existing playground.

The project timeline is aggressive. Installation of the new

playground is targeted for Spring, 2012. Updates and

details regarding the status and funds raised to date are

available at our website, www.kennedyplayground.com,

please check regularly!

Building a new

Kennedy Community Playground

The playground at the Kennedy Elementary School is

more than a school playground. It is a community play-

ground. It supports nearly 500 school children daily from

September through June, and countless others from the

surrounding neighborhoods year round.

Kennedy is nestled in a tight-knit community with several

large and well-established neighborhoods within easy

walking distance to the school. As such, we believe that

Kennedys families include those of past, present and

future students, as well as those whose extended family

members and visitors use this playground.

The current playground structure at Kennedy is the only

wooden playground remaining in Franklin and it is aging.

Despite annual maintenance, it is the cause of innumerous

splinters and other injuries to the children using it.

The town budgets have not allowed for a new playground.

Though funds have not been available, the need for a new

playground has not been disputed. As a result, the parent

community organization (Parent Communication Council,

or PCC) has decided to take action and pursue a new

playground.

Current playground structure at Kennedy Elementary with insets

showing examples of damage and wear

This is a 501(c)3 organization, your contributions are tax

deductible!

Kennedy Parent Communication Council

Kennedy Elementary School

551 Pond St., Franklin, MA 02038

E-mail: kennedyplayground@gmail.com

Facebook: Kennedy PlaygroundCommittee

Web: www.KennedyPlayground.com

Mail a check made payable to Kennedy PCC with

Playground noted in the memo section

Tax and 501(c)3 information available on the website

Donate directly through Paypal on our website!

Current Proposed Design

K e n n e d y C o m m u n i t y P l a y g r o u n d C o m m i t t e e

F a c t s a t a G l a n c e

Ladybug Pride

Kennedy School is famous for its role in designating the ladybug as

the state bug. In 1974, as part of a lesson about state symbols, Mrs.

Johnsons 2nd grade class learned that a state bug didnt exist in

Massachusetts. The children thought a ladybug would be fitting, so

they filed a petition with their state representative and watched thebill work its way through the legislative process to become a law.

The children even visited the state house, some dresses as lady-

bugs, to witness the signing of the law! Kennedy School has a long

standing tradition of a strong family connection and community

culture, which has become associated with the schools symbola

Ladybug. That Ladybug Pride continues today.