Project Playscape

Goal: $35,000.00

Specific Need

Project Playscape believes that strong communities are built through connection, shared visions, and meaningful experiences. From playgrounds to traditional events, we bring people together to create lasting impact, for today’s kids and tomorrow’s families. We first listen to the voices, needs, and challenges of our community. Then, we plan, set clear goals, and launch focused fundraising efforts to create the amenities, spaces, and activities that families in Americus and North Lyon County truly need.

As a zero-budget nonprofit, we rely 100% on local donations, volunteers, and partnerships. Every dollar counts and every hand helps. What makes us different? We utilize our local resources and community talent, keeping costs low and impact high.

Our projects serve children and families within the approximately 2005 patrons (toddler to adult) who live within our community and surrounding small communities, this number does not include the number of those who would use the amenities we fundraise for, from Emporia or surrounding counties.

We commit to projects that make the biggest difference for children and families, creating spaces where kids grow, friendships form, and memories are made. Whether it’s a new place to play, a community event, or a local program, every effort we make is about building something bigger: traditions, friendships, support networks, and a stronger, more united community.

These moments matter: the first slide down a new playground, meeting a new best friend, or simply sharing laughs under the Splashpad dump bucket. That’s the power of community, and it’s what we’re here to continue to build, together with your help!

Match Day 2025:
Match Day funds this year are helping bring our next big project to life: renovating the beloved Basketball courts! The upgrade will include a new concrete pad, new goals and nets, and surrounding fencing. We're also exploring the possibility of making it a multi-use court to include pickleball. These courts are a daily hangout for local kids, and we can’t wait to give them the space they deserve.

A small portion of Match Day funds will also support free, year-round activities that help keep kids engaged, active, and connected, all at no cost to families:

• NEW! Annual Easter Egg Hunt-Our first-ever Easter Egg Hunt was a big hit, and we’re excited to make it a lasting tradition for years to come!
• NEW! Summer Tour Events-This summer, we brought the fun to Americus, Allen, Admire, and Reading, hosting free kids’ activities, crafts, and community exploration. Families enjoyed learning more about each town while making great memories together.
• Lending Library Support-We help keep the Americus City Park Lending Library stocked with books for all ages, encouraging reading and access to stories for every child. In addition, we hold Seasonal Kids’ Book Swap Events, promoting literacy and community sharing, our book swaps give kids a chance to trade their gently used books and discover new favorites.
• Annual Cookies with Santa & Christmas Parade-A beloved tradition! We serve over 70 families each year with cookies, hot chocolate, crafts, and a special visit with Santa. We also hand out around 150 goodie bags, making it a magical experience for every child who attends.
• Future Seasonal Day Camps-We’d love to expand our offerings by adding a few seasonal camps in the near future! These would provide kids with even more opportunities to learn, play, and connect during school breaks, all while staying active and engaged in a safe, community-centered environment.

Projects to Date:

• Americus Jones Park Playground (Phase 1 Completed: 2011 & Phase 2 Completed: 2012)
• Trusler Americus Baseball Complex (Completed: May 2023), (Dugout Roofs Added: June 2024)
• Americus Splashpad (Completed May 2024)
• Basketball Court Renovation (In Progress, Expected Completion: Spring/Summer 2026)

Progress & Celebrations
With over $225,000 raised, the Splashpad officially opened to a flood of excitement, May 2025! Children and families from across the area spent the summer making memories, splashing, laughing, and enjoying a much-needed space to cool off and connect.

Our first-ever Donor Appreciation Event (July 13, 2024) was held at the new ballfields and was a huge success! We unveiled new donor recognition features, installed personalized bricks and banners, and enjoyed a game of vintage baseball. Families enjoyed balloon twisting, a hotdog feed, and a great day of fun and gratitude.

Our biggest fundraising milestone to date, was the Ballfield Complex! The completion of the ballfield complex was celebrated with a weekend full of community fun including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, kid vs. adult baseball game, parachute fireworks, crafts, a community hotdog feed, cake, and a vintage baseball game featuring volunteer players from our own hometown!

Mission

Founded in 2010, Project Playscape raises funds to improve recreational facilities and events that promote physical activity, teamwork, and community in Americus and Lyon County, Kansas. Our mission is to create safe, inclusive spaces where all children and families can connect, play, and thrive. From playgrounds to splashpads, every project supports the physical and emotional well-being of kids and builds a stronger sense of community.

Profile

THANK YOU! We look forward to our Fifth ECF Match Day and look forward to seeing the outpour of love and support you give to us and others this November! In each and every fundraiser, grant, donation, or volunteer experience, we see the selfless act of giving from each of you. No matter how big or how small, you impact those in ways you'll never know.  We THANK YOU beyond words!!