Question 1

How do I donate to the playground effort?

Accepted Answer

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.​

Beattie PTO has placed all Boundless Play donations in two certificate of deposit accounts with Security First bank. When possible, given the timing of the campaign, Beattie PTO will continue to maximize on these “free” interest dollars by investing in secure CDs.
CD 1: $26,057.11, matures 2/8/2026 @ 3.95% — earning $1,029.26 in interest.
CD 2: $21,434.39, matures 12/10.2025 @ 4.15% — earning $889.53 in interest.
CD 3: $23,102.17, matures 02/08/2026 @ 3.95% — earning $912.54 in interest.

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.

Question 2

How do I make a tax exempt donation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Is there an incentive for corporate sponsorships?

Accepted Answer

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 is available here.

Question 4

Are we competing with other Lincoln Public Schools playground fundraising drives?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Can we phase our playground improvements? Can we keep old equipment?

Accepted Answer

Technically, yes, with conditions. However, the majority of Beattie’s playground equipment has a relatively short remaining life. The cost of keeping the equipment has been determined to be greater than the value of keeping the equipment.

As playground requirements change, older equipment also 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.

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.

Question 6

At other schools where LPS has only given a partial dollar amount, how did that work with their equity?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Why does it need to be inclusive?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Will we have metal slides in our play structure?

Accepted Answer

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.

Boundless Play FAQs