It has been a year since fundraising efforts started for the new community playground at SAU, so we wanted to give our generous donors a construction update.

Although we had hoped to already be watching our youth enjoying the new facility, delays in the playground’s delivery set our efforts back for some time. A nice four-foot black fence has been put up where our playground will stand between the SAU tennis courts and duck pond, and we are happy to report that the equipment has arrived. Contractors are now being contacted to complete the more than 50 concrete footings needed before the myriad play stations can be erected.

Also, plans are to have an adjacent play area host a retired firetruck, which we know the kids will love to play on and explore. It is getting a fresh coat of red paint courtesy of Bubba’s Body Shop in Magnolia.

If all goes well, the concrete may be poured during these scorching summer months so the equipment can be constructed in time for our children to enjoy the new playground early this fall!  We are very excited, and again, so thankful for all of you sharing this vision and your funds to help this project become reality

We have an exciting update! 

We are extremely excited to let all of the donors to the SAU Community Playground know that modern and inviting playground equipment has been ordered and the location has been chosen!   

Thanks to the overwhelming support from the community, the committee was able to go beyond expectations and order a large 39x33 foot commercial playground set from Creative Recreational Systems, Inc.  This set boasts an occupancy of 25-35 children ages 2-12.  It will be located just east of the duck pond in a triangular-shaped plot between two lines of oak trees that will provide ample afternoon shade. 

Also, thanks to the availability of a retired fire truck and the generosity of Bubba’s Body Shop in Magnolia, a second play area will feature the bright-red vehicle with slides and other climbing features. The kids are sure to explore and enjoy this exciting addition.  This added area will be located in the triangular grass area south of the playground and walking path, closer to the parking area at the duck pond.  Both play areas will be surrounded by a four-foot black fence for safety.   

This special part of Magnolia, on SAU’s campus, already attracts families and outdoor enthusiasts alike to the community walking trail, duck pond, tennis courts, picnicking area, and more.  We are looking forward to this hot spot being further transformed in 2017 to be even more inviting and to encourage our youth and families to spend time together in the beautiful outdoors. 

Happy Holidays to you and your family and have a Happy New Year! 

A playground at SAU’s community walking path and duck pond area has been a dream for many years. 

This dream will become a reality. 

We set a goal to raise $7,500 using SAU's Ignite platform. These funds would be matched by a total of $7,500 contributed by the SAU departments of Making Magnolia Blossom, SAU Housing, and SAU Student Activities.

At the close of the campaign on Monday evening, not only did we meet our goal of $15,000, we amazingly surpassed it for a grand total raised of $21,290!  A total of 59 donors made this feat possible. We are excited to move forward with our plans as we begin working toward the construction of this new play area for our youth to enjoy for years to come.

Again, a BIG thank you to all who participated to make this project a success!  We will keep you informed with the progress of the playground construction.

Sincerely,

Playground project leaders

With gracious donations still coming in, we are about to surpass 50% of our $7,500 goal.  Just a dozen days are left in this campaign, so let’s join together and push this effort into high gear.  Please continue to spread the word using the share buttons below the video at http://ignite.saumag.edu/playground. Thank you again for your support!  The area children are going to be sooo excited to see this playground come to life, and we are too!

Playground partners,

We are excited to have reached 20% of our $7,500 goal in just a matter of days!  Please continue to share the video on Facebook because that seems to be catching people’s attention about the need for this new place for our kids to play at SAU…”so they don’t break their necks.”  A great big thanks to all those who have given so far, and let’s not slow down on spreading the word so we can celebrate with our children soon.