Pierce Downer Elementary School
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But
for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood".
-Fred Rogers
In winter 2022, Pierce Downer Elementary School launched PLAY! at Pierce - a
campaign to raise funds for renovations to its nearly 30 year old playground.
Named for the founder of the village, Pierce Downer Elementary has shared in the
history of northern Downers Grove for over 70 years. Today over 325 students
attend in grade levels K-6.
A new playground at Pierce Downer Elementary School would give students and the
entire community a place to come together, feel safe, and have fun - a type of
place that is needed now more than ever. Play is a significant part of a child's
physical and mental development. Playgrounds can provide children the
opportunity to develop their socialization skills with peers, engage in flexible
and critical thinking as well as develop their gross and fine motor skills.
PLAY! At Pierce is asking community partners like you to help make the dream of
replacing the decades-old and outdated playground equipment at Pierce Downer
Elementary School a reality. PLAY! At Pierce is a subcommittee of the Pierce
Downer (PD) PTA; a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that operates exclusively
for charitable purposes. The PD PTA provides programs that enrich students’
educational experiences and help build our community.
