Play 315 Pushing Toward Halfway Mark in Effort to Build Inclusive Playground for Colby Schools

On Giving Tuesday, NWKS Radio’s Joel Navarro welcomed Jenna Gatz and Heather Dible from the Play 315 committee to talk about the exciting momentum building behind their mission: bringing an inclusive, accessible playground to the Colby Public Schools.

Play 315 is working to renovate the Colby Grade School playground with brand-new inclusive equipment, safer surfacing, and updates to the existing structures. The goal is simple but powerful—create a space where every child can play, including those with disabilities who currently face real barriers on the playground.

What Is Play 315?

Play 315 is a community-driven initiative focused on adding inclusive and accessible recreational equipment to the Colby Public Schools. Right now, the grade school playground includes pea gravel and traditional equipment—features that make it extremely difficult for children in wheelchairs or with mobility challenges to participate.

The new playground design changes that. It includes:

• Accessible surfacing

• Ramps and mobility-friendly structures

• Activities and equipment tailored for all ability levels

• Updated existing equipment

• A reimagined play space where no child has to sit on the sidelines

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Gatz and Dible shared that many families have told them heartbreaking stories about children who simply cannot get to the equipment, let alone enjoy it with their friends. The new playground aims to change that for good.

Fundraising Push: Nearing the Halfway Point

The committee has already raised a little over $437,000, and their next milestone is $550,000, which will put them over the halfway mark toward full funding. With the year coming to a close, they’re encouraging anyone with the ability to make a charitable contribution to consider Play 315 before December 31.

Fundraising efforts this fall have included everything from events to creative partnerships- including the popular Little Caesar’s pizza kit sale. More community opportunities are on the way.

Upcoming Event: Soup Supper & “Super Santa”

On Tuesday, December 9, Play 315 will host a free-will donation soup supper from 5 to 7 p.m. at Colby High School—right before the school music program.

And rumor has it… Santa will be there!Families will have the chance to enjoy warm soup, support a great cause, and meet Santa before the show begins.

How to Donate

Anyone wanting to support the project can easily do so:

• Visit the Colby Public Schools website and click on the Play 315 page

• Fill out the donation form and mail or email it

• Email: play315colby@gmail.com

• The committee also accepts checks, cash, or direct contributions

Why This Playground Matters

During the interview, Gatz and Dible emphasized that inclusive equipment isn’t just about adding new pieces—it’s about giving every student equal access to joy, movement, and friendship. Recess happens multiple times every school day, and for some children, it’s the only chance to connect socially.

A playground that leaves some kids watching from the sidelines isn’t good enough for this community—and Play 315 is working hard to make sure that changes.

Stay Connected

Follow updates, events, and fundraising announcements on:

• Facebook: Colby Play 315

• The Colby Public Schools website

• The Play 315 webpage linked through the district site

This Giving Tuesday—and throughout the holiday season -Play 315 is asking the community to step forward and help make this inclusive playground a reality for all Colby kids.