Discover the story of how our community came together to create an amazing, inclusive, and fun environment for the students of North Wales Elementary.
This website, best viewed on your mobile after scanning a QR code at the playground, walks you through our journey, the fantastic new features, and the incredible community spirit that made it all possible.
In Spring 2023, the Home & School Association embarked on an ambitious plan to make significant improvements to our beloved playground. The community's enthusiasm quickly ignited! Our first major fundraising effort, community-wide Lemonade Stands in Summer 2023, was a massive success, raising nearly $10,000! Around this time, the H&S also funded the installation of a much-loved Gaga Pit and a Funnel Ball, bringing immediate new energy to the play space.
The momentum continued into Spring 2024 with our 'Party for the Playground,' a massive fundraiser that brought the community together for a fantastic event and raised another $10,000 for the project. This success fueled our ambitions further!
A 'Buy a Brick' fundraiser, held from Winter 2024 into Spring 2025, became a cornerstone of our campaign. This initiative generated an incredible $30,000, allowing us to dream even bigger for the playground's future and demonstrating the lasting support of our families and community members.
When the North Penn School District announced an evaluation of all 13 elementary schools, we saw an opportunity. We decided to invest in unique improvements that the district typically wouldn't fund. This strategic decision led to the inspiring vision for a large-scale Tile Mosaic Mural and a serene Sensory Garden, aiming to make our playground truly exceptional.
The additional play equipment, funded by these tremendous efforts, was purchased in Fall 2025. Installation followed in Winter 2026, completing a major phase of our playground transformation and bringing new adventures for all students.
One of the crown jewels of our new playground is the stunning Tile Mosaic Mural. This incredible piece of art is made from 10,000 tiles, each handmade and glazed by our very own 480 North Wales students! An additional 500 members of our wonderful community also lent their artistic talents, including NPSD Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer, local firefighters, Mayor Neil McDevitt, cub scouts, and countless volunteers. This mural is a true testament to our community spirit.
Adjacent to the action, we've created a peaceful Sensory Garden, designed to provide all students with a calming and inviting alternative to the high-energy play areas. Beautifully designed and installed by Kemper Landscaping, the garden offers a rich sensory experience and a quiet place for reflection and relaxation. It's a vital part of our commitment to an inclusive environment.
An early addition, the energetic Gaga Pit has quickly become a favorite, offering fast-paced fun and friendly competition for all ages.
A classic playground game providing hours of entertainment and skill development, funded by the H&S early in the project.
Thanks to generous fundraising, further new play equipment was installed in Winter 2026, expanding activities and adventures.
Students enjoying the new and improved playground.
A close-up of the vibrant community-made tile mural.
A peaceful nook in the beautifully designed sensory garden.
Volunteers working together on a playground project.
Exciting games underway in the popular Gaga Pit.
North Wales students proudly creating tiles for the mural.
This incredible transformation would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of our students, families, staff, and the wider North Wales community. From buying lemonade to glazing tiles, every contribution made a difference. We extend special thanks to:
For their creativity, enthusiasm, and unwavering support throughout the project.
For their vision, dedication, and tireless efforts in leading this initiative.
For their support and for embracing the community's vision for the playground.
For their civic pride and support for community enhancements.
For their volunteerism and commitment to our community.
For their energetic participation and community spirit.
For their beautiful design and installation of the Sensory Garden.
Your individual contributions, big or small, made this dream a reality!
A core principle behind the playground improvement initiative was to create a space that is welcoming and accessible to students of all abilities. We believe every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow.
The Sensory Garden offers a calming retreat, while other new features have been selected to support a variety of play experiences. We are proud to offer a playground that promotes inclusivity and allows all students to engage in meaningful play, fostering a sense of belonging for all.