Tibbott Elementary to Get Playground After Decades Without One

BOLINGBROOK, IL — A playground is an integral part of any school, but for several years Tibbott Elementary has been without one, having to rely on a nearby park.

But that’s about to change.

KaBOOM, in partnership with Target, is coming to Tibbott to build a playground for the school.

The quest to get a playground has been going on for decades. The last known photo of the school's playground goes back to 1984, according to Tibbott Elementary Principal Ana Wilson. With no playground at the school, classes would be sent to Wipfler Park without any worries.

“It was a different time. Once our security measures were put in place, that became even more difficult. Even then, there were logistical issues,” Wilson said. There were also no restrooms there.

That’s what spurred the school into finding some sort of funding. While some fundraisers were held, the money raised just wasn’t enough to build a playground.

“You do a restaurant fundraiser and you’re lucky to raise $200,” Wilson said, adding that the cost of a playground could cost as much as $50,000.

Tibbott looked into getting a KaBOOM grant, but the organization typically looks at building playgrounds in areas where there are none. Having Wipfler Park so close to the school nearly disqualified them. But the school’s logistical problems of using the park helped them secure the grant.

“If Wipfler Park had not been there it would have been a much easier process,” Wilson said.

The new playground will consist of slides, a tic-tac-toe wall, monkey bars, swings and more. The design was based on the wants of the students, who created drawings showing what they would like to see. There will be a whole lot more fun activities for the students than what they had before.

While organizers from KaBOOM and volunteers from Target will be on site to help build the playground, the school is still looking for volunteers from the community. All Tibbott needs is a little help from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 6. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided, plus the first 50 community members who sign up at https://www.tfaforms.com/439396 will receive a “Tiger Up and Play” T-shirt.

For more info, contact Principal Ana Wilson at 630-739-7155 or wilsonal@vvsd.org.