In the July issue of Stroll, we shared a story about two Ford’s Colony moms, Holly White and Allegra Lapetina, who were raising funds to improve DJ Montague Elementary School’s outdoor play area and recess options ahead of the 2024-2025 school year. 

This summer, the White and Lapetina families got to work and provided a much-needed refresh to the outdoor play area. Improvements included resurfacing the blacktop and adding several foursquare stencils. The basketball hoops got a fresh coat of paint and new nets. Interactive murals were added to the outdoor walls; one of the murals encourages students to aim for the targets and collect points like a video game. Another mural serves as a soccer net with a scoreboard nearby. 

While all of these improvements add color and cheer to the play area, DJM students have been most excited about the two gaga ball pits that were installed: one for the big kids and one for kindergarten and 1st-grade students. “The gaga ball pits have been such a huge hit that many students come to school early or stay late just to get a few more rounds of gaga ball in!” Allegra shared. 

 

But, as Holly notes, these improvements could not have happened without the generous donations from community members and local businesses, like Terracon, MEGA Auto Spa, and Williamsburg Orthodontics, that their gofundme received. “Although we’re more than willing to do the work, having the ability to purchase playground equipment and supplies was a game changer for us,” Holly explained. 

Although Allegra, Holly and their families are taking a much-needed break, they have plans to continue to add to the play area later in the fall and next spring. They also want to create a fund that provides and replenishes recess supplies. 

Will you consider a gift to fund playground improvements that will have a meaningful impact for years? Gifts can be made directly through the GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/colony-kids-fundraiser-dj-montague-playground.  

If you have questions or would like to get involved, please feel free to reach out to Allegra at FCColonykids@gmail.com.