Hillside Playground

Congratulations Hillside Elementary Community! We're getting a new playground!

In December 2024, the School Board voted to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes money for a playground for Hillside Elementary! We have the overall description below, but if you're short on time, here are the highlights!

Highlights:

  • Hillside Elementary gets a new Inclusive Playground in FY2026
  • Expectation is "Summer-ish" 2026
  • Planning should begin in Fall 2025
  • The Hillside PTO will use our fundraised Playground Improvement Funds (+$73,000) to add additional features to the LCPS base playground

Full Story:

Thank you to everyone who came to support Hillside students advocating for Inclusive Playgrounds not only for Hillside Elementary, but all elementary schools. The School Board agreed with us and our vision is becoming a reality.

Currently the School Board has a plan to build age 5-12 inclusive playgrounds at all LCPS elementary schools over the next three years. Hillside Elementary will be built in 2026. The planning for this playground should begin in Fall 2025.

The Hillside PTO has raised over $73,000 in support of a new and updated playground.

LCPS will be paying for a baseline playground, and will be providing a list of additions that the PTO could sponsor. When LCPS begins to plan for the Hillside Playground, the PTO will have the ability to enhance the design with additional features funded by the PTO Playground Improvement Fund. This could be elements such as benches and additional equipment. The money you have helped raise will make our playground even better for our kids.

Moving forward, the School Board agreed to build Inclusive Preschool Playgrounds at all elementary schools over a three-year period, with Hillside Elementary slated for 2029.   This is so exciting and will make a huge impact not only for our students but all students across LCPS.

Thank you again for your support of the Hillside Elementary PTO and our students!