The Playground is Built!
A community came together to create a place where every Gerald R. Ford student can play, connect and belong.
Completed August 2026
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New Inclusive Playground
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A New Playground for Every Student
In August 2026, the Gerald R. Ford School community celebrated the completion of a brand-new playground designed with inclusion, accessibility, and connection at its heart.
The new playground gives students a place to play, move, imagine, and build relationships together.
What started as a vision became a reality because of the generosity and hard work of people across our community.
This is what happens when we come together for kids.
From Vision to Playground
BUILT TOGETHER. MADE FOR EVERY CHILD.
The Gerald R. Ford School playground is here because our community came together.
We are incredibly grateful to the funders, partners, volunteers, and community members who helped turn this vision into a vibrant, inclusive space where GRPS students can play, explore, connect, and grow.
“This project represents what is possible when a community comes together around children and families.”
Thank You to our Funders
Lead Playground Supporter • KPW Foundation
Carol Paine-McGovern • Dr. Khan and Liza Nedd • Tim and Karen O’Donovan • Steve Faber and Lizzie
Williams • Mary and John Williams • Barbara Gerson Family • Jim and Sue Williams • City of Grand Rapids SAFE Taskforce & Office of Oversight and Public Accountability • Jeff Dean • Darlene Lee • Stephanie Andrews and Chris Caropepe • Walter Smith • Dale Cammenga • Diane St. Claire • Lucas Stier • Lela TenElshof • Gordon Water • The Black Book Exchange
Ford Is Built. Who's Next?
Every GRPS student deserves a safe, welcoming place to play.
The Gerald R. Ford School playground shows what is possible when schools, families, funders, businesses, and community members come together around a shared vision. But Ford is just one school—and there are more students across Grand Rapids who deserve playgrounds that are accessible, engaging, and built with their needs in mind.
Your support can help make the next playground possible.
When you give to the GRPS Foundation’s playground initiative, you’re helping us invest in spaces where students can be active, build friendships, develop confidence, and simply be kids.
Help Us Build What’s Next!
Playground Campaign Commitee
Leading the campaign is a dedicated cabinet of community champions committed to helping bring the project to life:
• Steve Faber
• Monica Steimle App
• Rosalynn Bliss
• India Manns
• Jermale Eddie
• Misti Stanton Smith
