When prospective families visit the school, one aspect of the program that is most attractive is the outdoor environment. It’s one of the main reasons they choose the Seed. Since our beginning in 1977, the Seed playground has provided opportunities for imaginative play, wild adventures, and deep play with natural materials. Mud, sand, rocks, sticks, and an assortment of other items have been readily available. When we designed our current facility in 1998, we intentionally created an outdoor space for each classroom. These spaces have become the toddler playground, a place for gardens and imaginative play, an area for extending learning, and a relaxing place to have lunch.
With the over-abundance of sun we have here in Arizona, and the effects of climate change, it’s necessary to provide as much shade as possible for our students. Our large trees offer considerable shade on the playground, and trees near the building give some shade. In order to maximize sun protection, nearly 25 years ago, our facilities manager, Bill Glover, designed a highly effective shade system to enhance the coverage of the outdoor classroom spaces around the building. Although components of the shade system have been replaced over the years, the entire system needs to be replaced, particularly after the various storms we’ve had this school year.
We are working with Phoenix Tent and Awning to install shade structures around the building similar to the ones we put on the playground over the sand circle and basketball court. The project will start on the south side and work around to the north side eventually. Our time line is still pending, and we hope to start the project in January 2026. Our estimated fundraising needs for this project we’re calling Cool the School is $80,000.
We need your help with this worthwhile project. We’ve raised $10,000 already and need your help to meet our fundraising goal. Please consider making a donation to the Seed playground fund by December 31, 2025. To make a donation go to Zelle Awakening Seed Inc: sarah@awakeningseedschool.org or send a check to Awakening Seed School. Awakening Seed is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation so all contributions are tax deductible. Information about sponsorships will be available next week. If you have questions, please reach out to Mary at mary@awakeningseedschool.org or Sarah at sarah@awakeningseedschool.org. Thanks for your continuing support of Awakening Seed School.