Will you help our kids play?
Westside Elementary’s beloved playground is 30 years old, breaking down, and nearing closure. Recent safety inspections by playground specialists, a district review, and insurance guidance all point to the same conclusion: the structure has reached the end of its lifespan.
With district funds stretched thin by critical repairs like roofs and heating systems, there is no money left for a new playground. But our students need a place to climb, create, and connect with each other.
With your help, we can build it for them.
Our goal: $500,000
Phase 1 (2026): $85,000, (nearly complete!)
Phase 2 (Summer 2027): $415,000, nearly $200,000 raised!
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, neighbor, or local business, every gift moves us closer.
Help us give Westside’s kids the playground they’ve been dreaming of.
From this...
To this!
From this...
To this!
A Space That Has Served Generations
For decades, the Westside playground has carried laughter, scraped knees, friendships, and first moments of courage.
Some of the equipment dates back to 1995 — when today’s principal was a student here. The favorite slide is more than 40 years old.
This space has given so much.
Now it’s our turn to carry it forward.
A Window of Opportunity
Recent safety inspections from playground specialists, district review, and insurance guidance have made it clear: the current structure is reaching the end of its lifespan.
In 2025, a bridge unexpectedly failed. The playground closed for five weeks. $4,500 came directly from Westside’s discretionary budget — funds meant for teachers and classrooms.
We could continue patching and repairing.
Or we can invest wisely — before closure forces our hand.
We choose to lead.
A Playground For All
A playground for every kind of kid. The movers, the jumpers, the readers, the builders, the observers, and our students with disabilities.
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Balance logs, turf hills, and a new multi-level playground structure.
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A nature play area with sand and a dry creek bed.
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Shaded seating and flexible gathering areas for year-round use in our rainy and hot months.
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Inclusive design for ADA students.
Funding Goal: $500,000
Phase 1: Summer 2026: $85,000
Phase 2: Summer 2027: $415,000
More than Recess
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A true community hub - not just a school playground
Westside serves families across Hood River year-round, including evenings, weekends, and summers - not just during school hours. -
Heavily used by Parks & Recreation families -The playground supports youth sports participants and their families, with constant “sibling spillover” during practices and games nearby.
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One of the most accessible play spaces on the Westside of Hood River- For many families - especially those in nearby neighborhoods - this is the closest and most relied-upon public play area.
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A gathering place for a diverse community- Westside is a cultural and social hub, serving working families and Spanish-speaking households who depend on free, public recreation spaces.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a visiting family who loves Hood River, a parent or grandparent of a Westside student, or a community member who believes in investing in kids, your gift makes a difference—please donate today and help create a place where our children can play freely, be kids, and experience the simple, real-life joys of childhood.
Let Westside Play.
