KARE11: Glen Lake 5th graders seek support for inclusive playground

December 13, 2022

At a small elementary school of 460 students, eight students use a wheelchair. Now one classroom is working to get a new playground for all.

Little by little, the dream is coming true. At least, it is for this Hopkins Public School. Teacher Betsy Julien's fifth grade class is raising $300,000 for a new accessible, inclusive playground. The playground would include a swing and merry-go-round. The goal is to begin construction in spring and open by fall. 

To ask for funding, her fifth graders have been cold-calling businesses and knocking on doors. They also held a coin drive at school and their efforts are leading to big checks.

In December 2022, BMW donated $10,000 to the Glen Lake playground project.

UPDATE: The students surpassed their goal after an anonymous $200,000 donation, but they're still fundraising to make the entire playground area accessible.