Play 315 Nears the Finish Line as Community Effort Raises More Than $700,000
May 13, 2026
What began as a heartfelt idea among a small group of parents has grown into one of the most inspiring community projects in Colby in recent memory.
After more than a year of fundraising, grant writing, and planning, the volunteer-led Play 315 committee has raised over $700,000 toward its goal of building a fully inclusive playground at Colby Grade School—an outdoor space designed so every child, regardless of ability, can play together.
Committee president Jenna Gatz said the group’s latest total stands at approximately $715,000, putting the project within striking distance of its updated fundraising goal of $1,065,063.
“This is something our community can be incredibly proud of,” Gatz said. “We’ve had tremendous support from local families, businesses, foundations, and alumni who understand how important it is that every child has a place to play.”
The vision behind Play 315 is simple, but powerful: create a playground where children of all abilities can enjoy recess side by side.
The current grade school playground includes aging equipment, some pieces dating back decades, along with pea gravel surfacing that presents significant barriers for children who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids.
The new design replaces those obstacles with accessible features that include:
The result will be more than just a school playground. It will be a welcoming community asset where all children can play, learn, and grow together.
When planning first began, estimates for the project approached $1.8 million. Through careful bidding, in-kind contributions, and cost-saving adjustments, the committee was able to reduce the budget to just over $1.06 million while preserving the project’s core features.
That reduction has made the finish line feel much closer.
“Being able to lower the cost without sacrificing what we wanted for our kids has been huge,” Gatz said. “It makes the goal feel attainable.”
One of the most exciting milestones arrives Monday, May 18, when construction on Phase 1 officially begins.
The first phase will focus on the eastern half of the current playground. Existing equipment will be removed, with the new age 2-5 play structure installed along with the shade shelter, picnic tables, fencing, and new green space.
Gatz said seeing visible progress should energize donors and reinforce that the project is becoming a reality.
“When people can see construction happening, it helps them realize this is really happening,” she said.
Phase 2 will include the larger 5-12 play structure and final surfacing work.
Installation could begin as early as this fall if fundraising continues and weather conditions cooperate. If not, the remaining work will be completed in the summer of 2027, with the full playground ready before the start of the 2027-28 school year.
Play 315 has relied on grassroots fundraising and local partnerships to build momentum. Recent and upcoming fundraising efforts include:
The committee continues to welcome donations of all sizes, noting that every contribution helps bring the project closer to completion.
With more than two-thirds of the funding already secured and construction about to begin, Play 315 has transformed from a dream into a visible promise.
Now, the committee is inviting the broader community to help carry the project across the finish line.
Those interested in supporting the project can donate online at Givebutter.com/play315Colby or contact the committee at play315colby@gmail.com.
As the first pieces of equipment begin to rise from the ground, they will stand as a testament to what can happen when a community rallies around its children.