Help us reach our $35,000 goal by June 1, 2026!
Westside Elementary’s beloved playground is 30 years old, breaking down, and nearing closure. Recent safety inspections from playground specialists, district review, and insurance guidance have made it clear: the current structure is reaching the end of its lifespan. With school district funds stretched thin for critical repairs like roofs and heating systems, there’s no money for a new playground. The students at Westside need a place to climb, create, and connect with each other.​
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With your help, we can build it for them.
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Funding Goal: $500,000
Phase 1: Summer 2026: $85,000
Phase 2: Summer 2027: $415,000
Help us raise the remaining $35,000 of our Phase 1 cost ($85,000) so that we can begin breaking ground this Summer 2026!
A Space That Has Served Generations
For decades, the Westside playground has carried laughter, scraped knees, friendships, and first moments of courage.
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Some of the equipment dates back to 1995 — when today’s principal was a student here. The favorite slide is more than 40 years old.
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This space has given so much.
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Now it’s our turn to carry it forward.
A Window of Opportunity
Recent safety inspections from playground specialists, district review, and insurance guidance have made it clear: the current structure is reaching the end of its lifespan.
In 2025, a bridge unexpectedly failed. The playground closed for five weeks. $4,500 came directly from Westside’s discretionary budget — funds meant for teachers and classrooms.
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We could continue patching and repairing.
Or we can invest wisely — before closure forces our hand.
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We choose to lead.
A Playground For All
A playground for every kind of kid. The movers, the jumpers, the readers, the builders, the observers, and our students with disabilities.
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Balance logs, turf hills, and a new multi-level playground structure.
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A nature play area with sand and a dry creek bed.
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Shaded seating and flexible gathering areas for year-round use in our rainy and hot months.
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Inclusive design for ADA students.
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Funding Goal: $500,000
Phase 1: Summer 2026: $85,000
Phase 2: Summer 2027: $415,000
More than Recess
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A true community hub - not just a school playground
Westside serves families across Hood River year-round, including evenings, weekends, and summers - not just during school hours. -
Heavily used by Parks & Recreation families -The playground supports youth sports participants and their families, with constant “sibling spillover” during practices and games nearby.
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One of the most accessible play spaces on the Westside of Hood River- For many families - especially those in nearby neighborhoods - this is the closest and most relied-upon public play area.
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A gathering place for a diverse community- Westside is a cultural and social hub, serving working families and Spanish-speaking households who depend on free, public recreation spaces.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a visiting family who loves Hood River, a parent or grandparent of a Westside student, or a community member who believes in investing in kids, your gift makes a difference—please donate today and help create a place where our children can play freely, be kids, and experience the simple, real-life joys of childhood.
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Let Westside Play.
