Boundless Play FAQs

Donations may be made multiple ways: Checks made payable to Beattie PTO should include “Playground campaign” on the memo line. 100% of these funds go directly to the playground effort and playground campaign budget line. Checks can be dropped off at the Beattie office or mailed to Beattie PTO Attn: Playground Fund 1901 Calvert, Lincoln, NE 68502.​ In August 2024, Beattie PTO placed $25,000 in a certificate of deposit account with Security First bank so it would draw 4.54% interest over 11 months for the playground effort. When possible, given the timing of the campaign, Beattie PTO will continue to maximize on these “free” interest dollars by investing in secure CDs. Donate via Venmo; write “playground campaign” in the “What is this for?” box. Venmo incurs a 1.9% + $0.10 processing fee, meaning a $50 donation brings $48.95 to the campaign. Donate via Paypal; fees are 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction, meaning a $50 donation brings in $48.52 for the campaign. Donate through the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation; write “playground campaign” in the memo line. All donations incur a 6% fee. Donations made through the Fund a Need portal, incur a 12% fee. A donation of $1,000 will bring in between $880 to $940 for the campaign. Donate at Lincoln Public Schools Foundation and write “Playground Campaign” in the comments box.

All who donate to the Boundless Play, Boundless Impact campaign – no matter how large or small the dollar amount – will receive a tax donation receipt for tax filing.

While Lincoln Public Schools does not allow for “naming rights” to playground structures, we can offer acknowledgement in these ways: Logo and link added to Beattie PTO website Facebook Thank You post/s Included in Boundless Play blog at BeattiePTO.org Invitation to attend Beattie PTO playground unveiling and receive in-person acknowledgement Banner hung at events for two years A corporate sponsorship packet will be available here here completed: www.beattiepto.org/boundless-play-campaign.

Though we may be competing for similar grants or grant dollars to other schools in Lincoln, our community and our pool of donors is unique to Beattie. Only we can reach out to Beattie graduates. Only we can tap into opportunities offered by our students’ adults’ employers. Only we can connect with our community. Only we can leave no rock unturned for opportunity. Only we can refuse limits on ourselves and our thinking to work hard for a future we desire. We are limitless.

Yes, with conditions. As playground requirement change, older equipment requires improvements. A primary one is the requirement for rubber for fall protection under elevated pieces. It is important to address existing pieces that need improvement early in the process; if other phases do not happen, this would leave fewer items available. Note: The majority of Beattie’s playground equipment has a relatively short remaining life. The cost of keeping the equipment may be greater than the value of keeping the equipment. LPS Operations is working on a list evaluating each playground piece’s condition and expected life span. We will share that list when it becomes available. Here are additional reasons we consider the phased approach to be risky: Depending on design plans, equipment may need to be removed to make way for the installation of new equipment construction. It is most efficient to complete all removals at one time. Beattie Elementary intends to install the new playground during the summer of 2026 so students have no gap in play or health and wellness. The project will be scheduled to minimize disruption during the normal school year. Beattie prefers to raise dollars for a complete playground improvement in one round to reduce the risk students are left with limited equipment. However, depending on fundraising, a decision will be made in December 2026 whether a phased approach is required or whether delaying another year is the best option.

LPS always provides monetary dollars to playgrounds, and schools – plus their PTOs where existing – always get creative about maximizing those dollars. Many schools choose to capitalize on the opportunity for improvements and choose to fundraise. In this same situation, Prescott Elementary’s playground committee focused on “match” donations and grants to maximize their finite donations to achieve their goals. Beattie is seizing the opportunity to do the best for our current and future community. Every piece of playground equipment on the playground is aged and some pieces as much as 70 years old. This campaign is our commitment to equity: Providing a place of play and health for all. LPS is contributing $150,000 toward our $400,000 goal.

Lincoln Public Schools has a minimum standard for playgrounds by district, state and federal standards. Inclusivity can be: equipment for children on the spectrum, children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, children in wheelchairs, etc. Because Beattie is looking to its future, knowing the playground is a community asset and Beattie is a strong Deaf and Hard of Hearing school, we want to ensure the playground meets the needs for all living in our district, now and in the future.

The static produced in plastic or fiberglass tube slides interferes with cochlear implants. Because Beattie supports all students and serves as a resource school for Lincoln’s deaf and hard of hearing community, at least one metal slide is a priority.