AQUINAS PLAYGROUND SYSTEMS
OVERVIEW
$500,000
FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTION
1,450
STUDENTS BENEFITTED
5
PLAYGROUNDS
Five Catholic elementary schools in Northwest Indiana under the Diocese of Gary have received new playgrounds through a generous $500,000 grant from the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation. Kidstuff Playsystems, based in Gary, provided the schools an opportunity to choose their preferred playground system and then proceeded with their design, build, and installation.
The Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana announced the grant in November 2022, benefiting five elementary schools through enhanced playground facilities: Aquinas Catholic Community School, St. Casimir School, St. John the Baptist Catholic School, St. John Bosco Catholic School, and St. Stanislaus School.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
ONE
The Foundation’s investment has positive effects on five elementary schools in Gary, positively impacting a broader segment of the community.
TWO
Upgrading Aquinas’s playground facilities improves holistic development during childhood by promoting physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play.
THREE
Implementing new playgrounds has improved the school environment, making it more conducive to learning and play.
FOUR
The Foundation’s investment in Aquinas provides opportunities for children of all abilities to play together.
FIVE
The interactive and themed play structures in the playground enhance children’s creativity and cognitive skills.
SIX
Each school collaborated with Kidstuff Playsystems to select a playground system that meets students’ diverse needs, fostering a sense of belonging for all.
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The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation is committed to improving the well-being of families in Indiana, and Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana is the perfect partner in pursuing this goal.”
The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation is committed to improving the well-being of families in Indiana, and Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana is the perfect partner in pursuing this goal.”
Bill Hanna
Executive Director of the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation
KEY PARTNERS
For more information on our partners, contact info@bigshouldersfund.org
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Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana is grateful for the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation as well as Kidstuff Playsystems. Without them, this project wouldn’t have been possible.”
Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana is grateful for the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation as well as Kidstuff Playsystems. Without them, this project wouldn’t have been possible.”
Dan Kozlowski
Managing Director of Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana
