Dedicated to the children of today and the leaders of tomorrow...
We are adding inclusive equipment to school playgrounds so that all children can play regardless of their abilities.
About us
Project Playground began with three Westfield parents who recognized the need for inclusive, accessible play.
Our first installation at Lincoln School was a huge success — not just for students, but for the entire community. It became a place where everyone could come together and where inclusion was celebrated.
But the need didn’t end there. What happens when these children move on to schools with inaccessible playgrounds? How can they continue to grow and play alongside their peers?
Each school is powered by a passionate team of parents and volunteers, working with principals, PTOs, and the community to make these playgrounds a reality. Their dedication drives every
swing, ramp, and sensory panel.
We’re just getting started — and we can’t wait to
build more, together.
Join Project Playground in Making a Difference
Our Mission
Project Playground is dedicated to adding inclusive equipment to school playgrounds so that children can play regardless of their abilities.
Ways to Give
All donations are tax-deductible. There are many ways to support Project Playground's mission. You can make a donation, become a business sponsor or gift a piece of equipment. Donations are made to the individual projects via a 501(c) 3. Every contribution makes a difference!
Key Stats
- Over $500,000 in funds raised
- Expanded to 7 schools in Westfield
- Over 400+ donors
- Touching over 2,000 students and many additional community members
- 3 projects have been completed with another 4 projects in progress
Leadership
Erica Witte, Co-Founder
Laura Skidmore, Co-Founder
Erica has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry most recently as a Director at Citigroup. A Westfield resident since 2017, Erica co-founded Project Playground due to her personal experience as a parent of a child with a physical disability. A parent of two children at Franklin School, Erica's son could not acces
Erica has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry most recently as a Director at Citigroup. A Westfield resident since 2017, Erica co-founded Project Playground due to her personal experience as a parent of a child with a physical disability. A parent of two children at Franklin School, Erica's son could not access any of the Westfield school playgrounds due to the lack of accessible equipment. For this reason, the success and growth of Project Playground has been very rewarding for Erica and her family. Erica also serves as a Board Trustee with The Westfield United Fund and as the Vice President of the Franklin School PTO.
Laura Skidmore, Co-Founder
Laura Skidmore, Co-Founder
Laura Skidmore is a Westfield resident of nearly 10 years and has two boys at Franklin Elementary. She is an attorney in the field of special education, an author of children’s fiction, and a community volunteer. In 2022, Laura established herself as a co-chair of Project Playground’s inaugural launch at Lincoln School, and she continued
Laura Skidmore is a Westfield resident of nearly 10 years and has two boys at Franklin Elementary. She is an attorney in the field of special education, an author of children’s fiction, and a community volunteer. In 2022, Laura established herself as a co-chair of Project Playground’s inaugural launch at Lincoln School, and she continued as a co-chair at Franklin School Project Playground. She is on the board of the Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library, a part of the Franklin School PTO, and a guide at Achilles.
Reema Thakkar, Co-Founder/ Jefferson Lead
Reema Thakkar, Co-Founder/ Jefferson Lead
Our Journey: A Timeline of our Progress
January 2022: Project Playground was created by three Westfield parents
November 2023: After raising $135,000, we held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the installation of 6 pieces of accessible equipment+ surfacing at Lincoln School. Inclusive signage was created by WHS students.
January 2024: Project Playground expanded to Franklin and Jefferson Elementary Schools which serve over 900 students.
November 2024: After raising over $110,000, we installed new equipment at Jefferson School. Fundraising continues.
February 2025: After raising $175,000, we installed 8 pieces of accessible equipment and surfacing at Franklin School.
March 2025: Project Playground expanded to Wilson and McKinley schools which serve an additional 700 students.
Spring 2025: Franklin students painted an Inclusive mural celebrating belonging & inclusion.
November 2025 : Franklin Elementary Ribbon Cutting Celebration; Project Playground expands to Tamaques School. Fundraising total is now over $500,000 across schools.
Spotlight on our schools
Lincoln School
Jefferson Elementary
Franklin Elementary
~ 300 STUDENTS, GRADES PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: COMPLETE!
Founding School
$135,000 raised; Goal Achieved!
Added 6 pieces of inclusive equipment and 2,000 sq ft of accessible surfacing
WHS students created inclusive signage and communication boards
Franklin Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Franklin Elementary
~ 525 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5 SCHOOL BUILT IN 1929
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: COMPLETE!
School Leads: Erica Witte, Laura Skidmore
$175,000 raised; Goal achieved!
Latest Updates:
8 pieces of inclusive equipment
1,500 sq ft of accessible surfacing
engraved brick pathway
new benches and tables
accessible ramp connecting the school to the playgroun
~ 525 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5 SCHOOL BUILT IN 1929
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: COMPLETE!
School Leads: Erica Witte, Laura Skidmore
$175,000 raised; Goal achieved!
Latest Updates:
8 pieces of inclusive equipment
1,500 sq ft of accessible surfacing
engraved brick pathway
new benches and tables
accessible ramp connecting the school to the playground
inclusive mural painted by 500+ Franklin students
outdoor classroom,
inclusive signage,
communication board
updated gaga pit
Jefferson Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
~ 450 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: PHASE 1 and 2 COMPLETE! Phase 3 in progress
FUNDRAISING STATUS: ACTIVE
School Lead: Reema Thakkar
$135,000 raised
Added 3 pieces of inclusive equipment
2,550 ft of accessible surfacing
engraved brick pathway
buddy bench
inclusive mural
Coming Soon: inclusive playground equipment for the Sum
~ 450 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: PHASE 1 and 2 COMPLETE! Phase 3 in progress
FUNDRAISING STATUS: ACTIVE
School Lead: Reema Thakkar
$135,000 raised
Added 3 pieces of inclusive equipment
2,550 ft of accessible surfacing
engraved brick pathway
buddy bench
inclusive mural
Coming Soon: inclusive playground equipment for the Summit Avenue playground which is utilized by 1st and 2nd grade students.
Wilson Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
~ 364 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: LAUNCHED IN MARCH 2025
FUNDRAISING STATUS: ACTIVE
Goal: $200,000
School Lead: Megan McCann
Latest Updates: The Wilson team placed their first purchase order in November 2025. Fundraising continues for Phase 2.
Washington Elementary
Washington Elementary
Washington Elementary
~ 300 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5
BUILT IN 1954
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: JUST LAUNCHED! $25,000 GRANT RECEIVED FROM THE WESTFIELD FOUNDATION
McKinley Elementary
Washington Elementary
Washington Elementary
~ 294 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: LAUNCHED IN JANUARY 2025
FUNDRAISING STATUS: ACTIVE
School Lead: Katelynn Leemhuis
Latest Updates: $25,000 grant received from The Westfield Foundation
The McKinley team is planning to enter a purchase order for phase 1 in 2026
Tamaques Elementary
Washington Elementary
Tamaques Elementary
~ PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: JUST LAUNCHED!
School Lead: Sarah Tobler
