Playground Fundraiser
Buckland Shelburne Elementary School’s playgrounds are unsafe, outdated, and in desperate need of replacement. We are counting on you – our neighbors, local businesses, and the broader community – to make this project a reality!
Our playgrounds are essential for our children’s development, building motor skills, encouraging social skills, and providing a safe environment.
Safe & Accessible Playgrounds for BSE
The Parent-Teacher Organization at Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School (BSE) is working on an
initiative to replace the aging, non-ADA compliant playground equipment. The playgrounds are
estimated to be over 30 years old and are deteriorating, with visible cracks and breaks posing
significant ongoing risk. There have been numerous incidents of children breaking bones
on this playground equipment. The playground at BSE is the only playground in Shelburne and many
community members make use of the equipment during off hours.
Our Vision
Replace all BSE playground equipment with ADA-compliant equipment across two phases (2025-2026)
Improve surfacing underneath playgrounds to increase safety and accessibility
Add more swing sets, spinning and ground-level play elements that would greatly benefit children with diverse needs, including those who are neurodiverse.
Funding Sources
The Shelburne Community Preservation Committee recommended $100,000 for phase one of our project, which was approved at the annual town meeting in May.
Local business, community fundraising, private foundations have stepped up to support phase one of our project. We are continuing to seek your support as we enter phase two in fall 2025.
Sen Paul Mark and Rep Natalie Blais have secured a $100,000 legislative earmark on our behalf, which will be available for phase two of our project.
We will continue applying for available grants.
Phase One
The first phase of the project focuses on the playground serving preschool, kindergarten, first grade, and HUB (special education) students.
The new design includes a wheelchair-accessible structure, a new swing set with an adaptive swing, and ground-level play features accessible via ADA matting.
Phase Two
The second phase of the project will focus on:
(1) the playground utilized by 4th-6th grade students and the after school program
(2) the playground at the front of the school utilized by 2nd and 3rd graders.
Through the end of 2025 and into 2026, we will continue fundraising and begin evaluating potential designs for the other playgrounds with the goal of installation in summer 2026.
Updates & Next Steps
Phase One Installation
Demolition of the existing PK-1st grade playground will begin the late July 2025, under the direction of Great River Hydro, whose in-kind support includes both site work and a generous $10,000 donation toward the purchase of new equipment.
Community Effort
This project is a true community effort, with the installation of new, accessible playground equipment scheduled for August 14–17 as a supervised community build. Volunteers from across the region—including BSE parent Mike Michonski, who is donating his time and expertise for site preparation, as well as members of the Central/Western MA Carpenters Local 336 and Daniels Land Management—will work side by side to install the equipment and bring our vision to life.
Fundraising and In-Kind Donations
Aubuchon Hardware has generously donated concrete for phase one installation, while an extensive fundraising campaign has garnered over $44,000 in contributions from residents, local businesses, and the broader community. Notable donors include Greenfield Coop Bank, Clark’s Corvair, Martha Thurber and Dena Wilmore. The Winter Bazaar at BSE raised over $3,000.
Help Us Reach Our Goal!
Every bit counts, contribute now to a safer and more enriched play experience for our children at BSE
