The Paxson playground mission is to engage all children by creating a safe and healthy environment that inspires play creativity and connection to nature, while fostering kindness and building relationships with the community.

April 2023

Updates on Nature-Based Play

We are thrilled that the first phase of our nature-based playground was successfully completed just in time for the 2022-23 school year. Over the summer we transitioned a portion of high-maintenance sod into a dynamic play space that emulates the natural habitat of our local ecosystem. This area currently features “log jams”, stump stairs, native plants, and trees. The goal is for the nature-based playground to serve as a place of play and connection to nature, friends, local culture, and community.

In September 2022, at the completion of this first phase, Paxson invited Aspen Decker of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe to offer a land dedication as an opportunity for the Paxson community to honor the traditional lands of which the school now resides.
In Spring 2023 we will begin fundraising for the next phase, which will include the addition of interpretive signage, bug hotels, vertical ant farms, bird houses, picnic tables, shade structures, additional plants, and an art mural. To learn more about contributing to this exciting project please reach out!

The dedication was a very special moment and was the first time for many in our community to hear the Salish language. See the dedication in both Salish and English in the video above.

We are on our final phase of the project! Take a look at the site plans to see what the committee is working on.

Check out the Plans The How & Why

Please help us

We’ve already successfully filled two paws! Once the remaining paw is filled, construction on that area can begin!

Thank you to the following businesses, families and individuals who have donated to help make the new Paxson Playground a reality!

- $5000+
- Bank of Montana
- Peter & Roula Agne
- Ink Realty Group – Carroll Anne Sowerby
- Lanman Family
- Maureen Laughlin
- University Area Homeowners Association
- $1,001 - $5,000
- Boyce Lumber
- Jennie Mayo & Dave Kratochvil
- Andy & Molly Nelson
- Jayme & Brandon Parker
- Sandra Pugh
- Dr. Michael & Laura Snyder Family
- $501 - $1,000
- Blackfoot Communications
- The Boyle Family
- Steve & Margie Grinnell
- Yvette Heintz
- Kidzoola Therapy Center
- Lipski-Johnson Family
- Nicole & Drew Miller
- Morrison-Maierle, Inc.
- Rowe & Associates, Inc.
- Tom & Lauren Snyder
- Jaime Ward
- Gary & Lynne Willstein
- $250 - $500
- Clearwater Credit Union
- Colin & Maddy Boyle
- John & Kim Boyle
- Kacia Bundle
- Brad & Monica Cederberg
- Maria Chesnut
- The Frisbee Veliz Family
- Lauren Hansen
- Helena Koelle
- Sandra Koelle
- Kelly McKinnie
- Morrison-Maierle, Inc
- Ivan Redhorn
- Bob & Sue Rowe
- Stockman Bank
- The Wicher Family
- Richard Wiley

We want to make the playground a piece of their education where children gain increased self-esteem, improved collaboration skills, enhanced critical thinking skills, and a strengthened immune system for health and well-being.
We want to create a playground that will grow with our children, from kindergarten to fifth grade.
Our playground will strive to honor each child’s diverse interests from quiet to creative to sport play.
Our playground will cultivate outside play that will create a positive experience of learning how to treat others.
Our playground will promote imaginative and creative play.
Our playground will be a valuable learning environment where our youth can develop their social, emotional and cognitive skills while gaining the physical benefits of play.

Give the gift of play! Any donation large or small can help make a difference in getting us one step closer to our fundraising goal. Please consider making a contribution!

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