Hi. I am the new PTO Secretary at a school in Virginia with about 435 students from pre-k to 5th grade. Our playground is in desperate need of an upgrade. I was wondering if anyone knew of a grant that could help with this. Thanks!!!!

Hi. I am the new PTO Secretary at a school in Virginia with about 435 students from pre-k to 5th grade. Our playground is in desperate need of an upgrade. I was wondering if anyone knew of a grant that could help with this. Thanks!!!!

check out www.playground-contractors.org; www.peacefulplaygrounds.org and boundlessplaygrounds.org

more info...

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools offers a competitive grant program entitled the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP).

The Carol M. White Physical Education Program provides grants to community-based organizations to initiate, expand, or enhance physical education programs, including after-school programs, for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Grant recipients must implement programs that help students make progress toward meeting state standards. Funds may be used to provide equipment and support to enable students to participate actively in physical education activities. Funds also may support staff and teacher training and education.

For more information please see the Department of Education Web site: Carol M. White Physical Education Program

Here's a list I've been compiling for playground equipment grants and funding resources as a playground consultant in Georgia.
Playground Equipment Grant Resources Daily dig from the sandbox
You can also contact your local playground vendors which should be able to provide you with some great resources. There's an expanded planning guide located on Playworld Systems website. Playworld Systems®, Inc. | The world needs play

We were in a similar situation and with this mess of an economy, we decided to keep our climbing equipment for a few more years and paint down games on our blacktop. We used a company called Creative Pavement Stencils, I think there website was Creative Pavement Stencils and for a few hundred dollars we purchased really easy stencils that made the kids really active - they use the games more than the climbing equipment!! What was different from other stencil company was they had really colorful and unique designs, and their stencils were plastic, reusable, werent made of numerous peices and we didnt have to buy fancy striping machines. THey just rolled out and we painted. If they fade over the years, we have stored the stencils so we are set.

I have to admit I did not read all of the above posts, however, Lowes does give grants for playground equipment. Give it a try, you have nothing to loose