Sargent Preschool Awarded Outdoor Playground Grant
Launch the media gallery 1 playerSargent Communities 4 Kids Awarded $50,000 Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Grant to Transform Outdoor Play
Sargent Public Schools Preschool has been selected as a recipient of the Excellent Outdoor Learning Environment grant, awarded by Early Futures Partnership’s Communities for Kids (C4K) initiative. The grant supports outdoor spaces designed to enhance children's daily learning, physical development, and connection to nature.
Unlike traditional playgrounds dominated by single-use commercial equipment, this grant helps early childhood programs design multi-purpose, nature-rooted outdoor classrooms. The enhanced play spaces will integrate natural elements, flexible play structures, and hands-on learning zones that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and healthy child development.
“Our current playground was designed for older children and does not provide the age-appropriate, accessible, and safe learning opportunities that our youngest students need,” said Byron Olsen, Superintendent at Sargent Public Schools. “Through a partnership with Sargent Communities 4 Kids, we were able to apply for this grant to transform our preschool playground into a safe, inclusive, and engaging outdoor learning environment.”
Through this project, the Sargent Public Schools Preschool aims to purchase and install a 34’x34’ shade sail, Musical Nature Play instruments, a mud kitchen, transparent acrylic sensory/music panels, and hardwood stump seating. Construction and installation are expected to be completed by December 2026. Sargent Public School provided a local match of $22,974.78 through the installation of an expanded secure perimeter fence surrounding the playground.
Communities for Kids (C4K) is a multi-year planning and implementation initiative dedicated to improving the capacity and quality of early childhood care and education. By partnering with local leaders, C4K works to strengthen community infrastructure, support working families, and ensure local economies can grow and prosper.
To learn more about Sargent Public Schools Preschool program or follow updates on the outdoor transformation, visit https://www.