Shade Pavilion for the Ryan Gray Playground

The Hillcrest Elementary PTO is raising funds to build a shade structure for the school’s Ryan Gray Playground for All in Lawrence, Kansas.

Keith Van de Riet, associate professor of architecture at KU’s School of Architecture & Design and a group of his students have partnered with the PTO to help design and construct the shade structure in fall 2023.

The PTO has been raising funds for the structure since 2021 and is excited to be close to the goal and have a studio ready to jump in and build it! Shade is extremely scarce at the current playground, limiting the playground’s usage – especially in the summer. The Hillcrest PTO seeks funding to install a shade structure to cover the picnic table area so the playground can be enjoyed by ALL at the school and in the community regardless of the season or time of day.

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Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible donation can contact Hillcrest PTO President Sabrina Kuksi for the necessary form and additional information.