Jenkintown School District races to secure funds for Legacy Park playground as design seeks approval

At a 2026 work session, the school board of the Jenkintown School District heard a detailed presentation on the Legacy Park playground design and an extended update from the volunteer steering committee about an urgent final fundraising push.

The superintendent introduced the design and said staff hopes to present the plan for board approval at the next business meeting to allow bidding to begin. A Legacy Park steering committee member said the design reflects current projected funds but warned that "there may need to be things removed" if donors do not meet the target.

The steering committee described multiple fundraising efforts, including a "goodbye picnic" and an auction of donated memorabilia; it also previewed naming opportunities and a donor package that would allow a donor to have a prominent spot in front of the school circle named for a family. The committee emphasized reuse and sustainability in the project: composite pickets will be reused in the new tot lot, and personalized wooden pickets and art tiles from the original build will be available for pickup at the picnic, though some items may have deteriorated from weather exposure.

On scope, the committee said bids will be drafted with deductive options so the district can pull items out if necessary. The two items most likely to be cut, the committee said, are the hillside play areas and the tot lot if funding falls short. The committee also requested roughly 60 volunteers per day during build week to support installation and community build tasks.

Board members pressed on technical matters including drainage and safety. When asked whether prior drainage work was functioning, the project consultant said crews had resurveyed catch basins but could not confirm drainage performance because it had not been raining; the consultant said the team plans to tie into existing drains and may relocate or abandon one inlet depending on regrading. On safety surfacing, the consultant said specifications were revised from 8 to 9 inches to meet standards and that final certification by Play by Design and the district's insurer will occur after ground surfacing is installed.

The steering committee urged broad community outreach and reminded residents that donations and naming opportunities are publicly listed on the district website; committee members said funds collected after April 6 will be held in a legacy account and cannot be used for the current phase 1 construction but could support later phases such as benches.

The board did not take a final vote on the design at the work session; staff said the item is planned for the next business meeting.