All Waverly-Belmont families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of delicious treats, Mexican hot chocolate, and family-friendly fun! Ticket includes an assortment of refreshments (dessert, snacks, hot chocolate) and exclusive access to FONDA 12South from 3-5 pm on March 1st.
This event is generously sponsored by FONDA 12South. All proceeds go directly to the WB PTO to support school-based initiatives. Thank you to FONDA and to YOU for supporting the students of Waverly-Belmont!
Tickets ARE $15 for adults and $10 for kids and can be purchased by clicking the link HERE!
New Playground FAQ
Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions as we anticipate the purchase and installation of new playground equipment.
Why was the Natural Playground deemed unsafe?
The natural playground does not meet Metro ADA standards, the tunnel creates opportunities where the view is obstructed for supervising teachers, and the fall area around the hill and large boulders are not cushioned enough since rain frequently washes away all of the mulch.
Where will the new playground be located?
The new playground will replace the existing natural playground's footprint. The structure and swings will be the primary components with most likely some open space to evaluate a phase two in future years (zipline, climbing tower, obstacle course, etc.) - or to leave open for football/soccer if that's what our kiddos want and need!
How will we know that the new playground is safe?
The new playground will meet all of Metro's safety requirements, including a substantial layer of mulch to provide cushion from falls. The mulch will be secured in place with borders to prevent rain from washing the materials away.
How big will the new playground be?
The primary playset structures range in size between 4,500 sq ft and 5,500 sq ft.
Can we have slides? What will they look like?
Yes! See the more detailed renderings added to the PTO website here: New Playground. Each option includes two slides. The Burke playgrounds (options 1 and 2) include a straight one with a fast decent and a spiral one. The Playworld playground (option 3) includes two that are more 'wavy or curvy' in different heights.
What is the additional amount needed to be able to get the zip line now?
Approximately $20k-$25k, depending on the final design.
Might we be able to raise some additional funds for the zip line?
Several of you have expressed interest in donating towards a zip line, and we are so grateful for this community’s generosity. We have received thoughtful feedback and alternative suggestions, however, that we feel should be fully evaluated before deciding to move forward with this specific feature. Concerns raised include increased supervision and management challenges for our teachers, durability and maintenance inquiries, limited capacity, and safety logistics. Alternative suggestions, including from our kids in grades 3 – 5, that would serve more than one child at a time include an obstacle course, monkey bars, and net climbing structure. We are excited to continue exploring the best options to support our families and staff for this specific space in the future.
Will there be any shade components?
The current designs do not include any features that provide shade, but a number of responses indicated that there is a strong desire for that. If we cannot fit that into this current budget, we feel it should be a priority for next year’s fundraising efforts.
Will there be any trash cans or locations for coats/backpacks?
Like the shade component question, the current designs do not include these features. We will work with Admin to try to source these items upon completion of the playground.
We have some physically challenged students, will there be anything that is easily accessible to them aside from the one swing?
Each playground design is currently going through preliminary review with MNPS to verify that they are ADA compliant. With playgrounds, ADA compliance often comes down to interpretation of the ADA standards, but we can say that each manufacturer has strived to make these designs as inclusive as possible. A small example is the ADA ramp that will be used to access the playground. Also, as part of the playground designs, several of the accesses to the structures are ground-level and designed specifically for children who are mobility impaired. The Quote Comparison Chart highlights some of the ADA/inclusive elements from each design, including elements that may assist with regulation needs for certain students.
Will we be removing the stumps and rocks?
Yes, the plan is to haul those off with the installation of the new playground. If anybody is interested in a commemorative Waverly Belmont tree stump, we’re happy to set it aside J
Can we have a net/rope climbing structure?
Both Burke designs currently have multiple net structures included in the renderings shown on the New Playground website.
Will the new playground have similar drainage issues to the current Natural Playground?
We did speak with the vendors about this issue during site visits. We are confident that a leveled, raised mulch bed with full borders will allow rainwater to seep through and exit the playground without washing the substrate away. Should we experience drainage issues early on, we discussed the possibility of adding a French drain to assist in drainage.
Green Hills Grille Community Giveback Night
RESCHEDULED FOR Monday, February 9th, from 4pm to close (9pm), 10% of net sales at Green Hills Grille go directly back the WB PTO! Located at 2002 Richard Jones Rd, you can swing by and grab a bite and support your school at the same time. Check out restaurant info and menu at www.ghgrille.com
MINTED HOLIDAY CARDS DISCOUNT/GIVEBACK
The Holidays are just around the corner!
If you're scrambling for the perfect Christmas Card, look no further than this awesome give-back from Minted! When you shop and use the code FUNDRAISEWBPTO at checkout, not only do you save 20% on your order, but Minted also gives back 10% of your order to the WBPTO! It's a two-for-one discount+give-back. SHOP ONLINE AT THIS LINK and don't forget to enter the FUNDRAISEWBPTO promo code at checkout.
(While you're there, be sure to check out all these awesome designs from WBPTO's own designer Chelsea Petaja!)
PADDYWAX CANDLE POURING GIVE-BACK
Pour a candle, make memories and give back all in one night! We are excited to offer this unique give-back night from Paddywax Candle Bar in Berry Hill. Click the LINK HERE to book your workshop anytime on November 7th. Mention "Waverly Belmont" during checkout to ensure that 20% of all proceeds come back to the WB PTO! Click through to read all details including age restrictions. This could be a great parent/child adventure OR a great date night or moms night out, so grab your group and come check it out.
FONDA FUNDRAISER & SILENT AUCTION
Our friends at FONDA are BACK with this amazing fundrasier for the 2nd year in a row! Join us on October 7th from 6:00 - 8:30 pm for a night of delicious food, festive drinks and a silent auction. Tickets are $100 per person and we have a limited amount, so be sure to get yours quick! CLICK HERE to purchase. This is an adults-only event so be sure to book those babysitters (might we recommend the Wyndy app giveback?).
We'll be adding a silent auction this year with lots of incredible items up for grabs, and if you or your business would like to donate an item, please let us know by contacting waverlybelmontptopartner@gmail.com and we will send all the info you need!
WYNDY BABYSITTING APP GIVEBACK
Need a sitter? Check out this awesome give-back from Wyndy!
How does it work?
Download the app or visit wyndy.com
Post a job and use the school code “WBPTO”
Wyndy will give back $5 for each completed job to the Waverly-Belmont PTO.
Wyndy will also give extra bonuses to the PT for every milestone completed (100 jobs, 250 jobs & 500 jobs!) So the more sitters you hire, the more Wyndy gives back to the PTO!
KICKIN' OFF THE BULLDOG BOLT
The 11th Annual Bulldog Bolt kicked off TODAY! Your student will come home with a Bulldog Bolt flyer and you should have received THIS EMAIL BLAST from the PTO as well. Be sure to visit the All The Bolt Details page on our website for, well…all the details, and we’ve listed some quick-links here as well!
