McCutcheon Elementary School
Branch Building PLAYGROUND PROJECT
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If you've been following along with Friends of McCutcheon's journey, you know we have been working towards building a playground for the middle school students and community at the Branch Building on Kenmore. We have been working tirelessly in the background with the local, city, and state governments, Chicago Public Schools, multiple block clubs, and the McCutcheon teachers, administration, and staff to take a dream and turn it into a reality.
So, what's the update? We are in the final stretch of fundraising. We have $150,000 more to raise! That sounds like an enormous amount of money, and it is... BUT..... We have TWO generous donors ready to match your giving up to $50,000 each. What does that mean? Your gift is TRIPLED. Your gift of $100 turns into $300. If you give $5,000, it turns into $15,000. Want to give? Click the give today button below. We'll track progress on our website, via social media, and in our newsletter. If you'd prefer to give through a different method, email us, and we'll see what's possible. If you haven't signed up for our newsletter, enter your email address below. |
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Welcome! We are so excited you are here! And my oh my, do we have some exciting news.
After months of conversations with the McCutcheon administration and staff, the Ainslie Winmore block club, McCutcheon families, architects, and local and state government officials, we're thrilled to share the renderings for a new playground at the McCutcheon Branch Building. We'll get into more pictures shortly, but let's get a few questions we're asked regularly out of the way. When? The goal is to complete construction during the summer break of 2025. How Much? We are working to raise $700,000 for the initial cost and maintenance of the Branch playground. Thus far we have secured $550,000 in support for the playground. Help us reach our goal of $700,000, by joining our TRIPLE GIFT SUMMER. Timeline: October 2024: Start Architectural Drawings December 2024: Complete Architectural Drawings February 2025: CPS will bid out project June 2025: BREAK GROUND. How can I help? We desire to see an outpouring of support from every corner of Uptown. Every gift is helpful. Whether you can give a one-time gift of $10 or a monthly donation of $1000, we are excited to partner with you in helping McCutcheon students receive the support they need to thrive. You can make a donation to Friends of McCutcheon here. Let's create a safe, fun, supportive space for McCutcheon Elementary students, staff, and teachers. Lastly, if you have a corporate match program or know of grant opportunities, please contact us directly at [email protected]. Let's get to the fun part! |
The current exterior of the McCutcheon Branch Building.
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An exciting new look!
Through collaboration with the school, neighborhood, and our outstanding design firm Site Design, the renders below showcase multiple areas of hard and soft surfaces, shade and sun, tables, and places to run around - each fully accessible for all kids regardless of mobility or sensory needs. Large 20’ sliding gates on both the north and south ends of the fence create an open space for the community to engage. Space at tables and on turf provide new and exciting places for classes to meet and students to engage in learning. Goodbye gray walls and chain link fence. It's time for bright, interactive, and inspiring spaces for our students.
McCutcheon’s students, staff, and administration are exceptional, and we hope this playground project is the first step for many people in our wonderful community to step forward and support their neighborhood elementary school. Let's create a safe, fun, supportive space for McCutcheon Elementary students, staff, and teachers!
Please contact us if you want to learn more about the process or design elements. We'd love to meet you.
Click on any photo below to open the photo gallery.
McCutcheon’s students, staff, and administration are exceptional, and we hope this playground project is the first step for many people in our wonderful community to step forward and support their neighborhood elementary school. Let's create a safe, fun, supportive space for McCutcheon Elementary students, staff, and teachers!
Please contact us if you want to learn more about the process or design elements. We'd love to meet you.
Click on any photo below to open the photo gallery.
What's next?
Once we reach this goal, we're moving onto our next project, the creation of a fund to support teachers in receiving their ESL certification (English as a Second Language). With 32 languages spoken in the school, the need is great!
