The Boylston Elementary Playground Project is a community-driven initiative with a goal to break ground by June 30and create a universal, inclusive play space for children of all abilities. Guided by the incredible team at SMILE Mass (smilemass.org), our vision is to design a playground that reflects the values of our town—connection, accessibility, and a deep respect for the outdoors.

We are working to raise an additional $50,000, with a $75,000 stretch goal, through community donations, local sponsorships, and collaborative fundraising events.

This playground will serve as:

• A dynamic resource for student activities and outdoor learning, giving teachers flexible space for hands-on education and much-needed changes of scenery due to shifts in specials schedules.

• A safe, inclusive environment for the Bridges and after-school programs, ensuring every child can play, learn, and explore together.

• A low-maintenance, year-round play area, designed with durable rubber surfacing that reduces upkeep demands and extends outdoor use into colder months.

Rooted in Boylston’s identity as a community that values environmental stewardship and active outdoor living, the playground design will honor our local landscape—from the trails along the reservoir to the legacy of the New England Botanic Garden, headquartered right here in town.

In a world where so much of childhood happens indoors or on screens, this project restores what’s essential: space to play, imagine, and grow—together.
Our goal is to create a playground that not only enriches our school community but celebrates the spirit of Boylston itself: natural, welcoming, and built for all.