Help us raise $200,000 to update our play yard!

Why This Matters

Outdoor play is at the heart of the Milldam experience. It’s where children build confidence, take risks, develop friendships, and engage in imaginative, open-ended play. This update will ensure our outdoor space reflects the same thoughtfulness, care, and intention that define the classroom experience, so every child can fully participate, explore, and thrive. Take a look below at what our current play yard looks like and inspiration photos for what it will look like after.

Current Play Yard
Future Play Yard Ideas

What the Play Yard Update Will Include:

  • Replacing the existing sand base with a safer, more durable surface
    We will excavate the current sand area and install a poured-in-place rubber surface that provides better cushioning, improved drainage, and a more consistent, accessible play experience for all children.

  • Introducing new play elements designed for our 4/5 classes
    Adding thoughtfully designed structures that offer more challenge, encourage imagination, and support the growing physical and social development of our older preschoolers.

  • Adding balance and movement features
    Incorporating elements like balance beams and stepping structures to help build coordination, confidence, and active, open-ended play.

  • Upgrading to a fully accessible basket swing
    Replacing the existing tire swing with a safer, more inclusive basket swing that allows multiple children—and children of all abilities—to play together.

  • Replacing and upgrading perimeter fencing
    Installing new fencing around the play yard and along the path that crosses the river that follows EEC standards to improve safety, durability, and visibility.

Timeline

  • Spring-Fall 2026: Planning, design, and fundraising
    Finalizing plans, securing partners, and building the support needed to fully fund the project.

  • Summer 2027: Installation
    Completing construction and unveiling a refreshed, modern play yard for the Milldam community.

Our Play It Forward Community

Milldam thanks all of the families who are participating in the New Play Yard Campaign. Every gift—big or small—helps bring this vision to life.

  • Rubber Duckies - Up to $499

    • Breht Feigh

    • Leah & Jim Levinger

  • Make Way for Ducklings - $500+

    • Kathleen Jorgenson

    • Billie & Alec Wyeth

  • Pond Partners - $1,000+

    • Sheilah & Mike McCauley

    • The Waterfall Family Foundation / Jane Waterfall and Ben Ernst

  • 1969 Society - $1,969

    • Mike & Robin Malouf

    • Claire & Joshua Nelson

    • Jennie & John Garofalo

  • Nest Builders - $5,000+

    • Gail & Matt Burr

    • Leezie Magruder

  • Founders of the Flock - $10,000+

    • Gloria & Chuck Clough

    • George & Ann Colony

  • Golden Duck Circle - $25,000+

    • Hilary & Langley Steinert

Donate to Play It Forward

Whether you give $50 or $5,000, every contribution brings us closer to opening the new play yard in summer 2027.

Give by Check Made Payable to Milldam Nursery School: Kelsey Nicholson, 43 Monsen Road, Concord, MA 01742

Donate via Paypal

*Please consider including the 3% fee if donating via PayPal

 

Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!

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