WCCO: Hopkins students raise nearly $1 million for accessible playground

February 6, 2024

"Our entire playground for Glen Lake: $860,000 fully fully funded. So how exciting is that," said Betsy Julien, teacher and project organizer. 

After 14 months of cold calling and door knocking, the students have enough to completely redo the elementary playground. And they are already seeing the fruits of all that hard labor.

One swing is in place - and it's a hit - as all kids now joyfully play together.  It's a scene that Buettner, who is now in middle school, finds thrilling and moving.

"To sit here in this wheelchair right now and know that there's people out there who care what situation I'm in, situation kids who use chairs are in. I know that they care about us that there's a sense of hope for kids in wheelchairs," he said.

Students of all ages and abilities are enjoying the new playground equipment.

Julien says she's learned a lesson, too.

"There is power in children's voices and even though they are 11, 12, 13 that adults will listen," she said.