Major Milestone Met: We’re Halfway There!
Dear Thoreau Families,
I write with exciting news – I’m absolutely thrilled to share that thanks to so many of your generous contributions during our December campaign, we’ve raised 50% of our total goal for the new playground. We’re officially halfway there!
Over 70 families have contributed, bringing our grand total to just over $322,000. This isn’t just a number on paper; it’s a testament to the love and generosity of people who believe in the value of playing outdoors – away from screens and schedules.
I want to especially thank each and every family who has helped us reach this point. Whether you chipped in a few dollars or made a large pledge, your support is moving us closer to seeing our children’s dreams become a reality.
But we’re not done yet! There’s still plenty of work to be done, and we need everyone—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends of the community—to keep the momentum going as we continue to fundraise through the spring.
If you haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, have a look at:
A complete list of donors, so you can see firsthand the incredible community that’s making this playground possible.
Naming opportunities for families or businesses who want to leave a lasting legacy for our children.
A timeline and FAQ, answering all your questions about how the playground will come to life and when our kids can expect to start sliding down a new slide.
Not that long ago, I remember watching my daughter focused, determined, and ultimately triumphant having conquered the challenge of getting across the monkey bars. There’s something magical about seeing our children play, test their boundaries, and witness their confidence grow before our eyes.
It’s remembering her moment of “I did it!” that motivates me to champion a reimagined, nature-inspired playground for our community. I want my daughter, and every child, to be able to climb a boulder that seems too high, make new friends as they run between the playhouses and gaga pit, and feel the rush of a zip line to their heart’s content. Playing outside builds self-confidence, sparks creativity and friendships, and, I think lets them be a kid for just a little bit longer.
Anabel's big monkey bar moment
Truly, thank you. Thank you for believing in the power of outdoor play and in supporting a campaign that means so much for our kid’s futures. I can’t wait to see where we go from here—and I can’t wait to celebrate with you all when we finally cut that ribbon and watch our kids race onto their new playground for the very first time.
Let’s keep going—together, we can do this!
Gratefully,
Cristina Aspuru Viciana
Member, Thoreau’s Playground Committee and mom to second grader