In honor of Kyra Lakin, Metro East Montessori School is excited to announce a campaign to upgrade our playground to a Nature Playscape.

As an alumnus, past parent, teacher, and head of school, Kyra Lakin has touched the lives of countless members of our MEMS community. The children in her care were given unconditional love, support, and respect. She worked tirelessly to create an environment where children, parents, and staff felt free to express who they were and grow as a community.

Each spring, Kyra purchased new sand toys and other play equipment for our school's children. She is passionate about children spending playtime outside, connecting with nature, and gaining an appreciation for the world around them.

As Kyra has embarked upon her retirement, she has been enjoying traveling with her husband, spending time with her beautiful daughters, and caring for herself and her dreams. We are so happy for her and glad she is embracing a very well deserved adventure!

As a thank you to our donors, we will be installing a giving tree at the front of the Playscape. Donors will be recognized by having a leaf engraved to memorialize their gift and commitment to Metro East Montessori School.

Edwardsville Montessori Society, Inc. is a 501c(3) organization with the DBA of Metro East Montessori School. All donations are tax deductible.

Donations can be made as a one-time gift, monthly, or quarterly!

There are various donation tiers, each with a different form of recognition.

Any Amount - Receive an acknowledgment in the Yearbook and Website
$50 - One engraved name (individual or family) on a shared plaque
$100 - One engraved Leaf on the Giving Tree
(Monthly payment of $8.00 over 12 months)
$200 - Two engraved Leaves on the Giving Tree
(Monthly payment of $16.00 over 12 months)
$500- One engraved Acorn or Rock next to the Giving Tree
(Monthly payment of $41.00 over 12 months)
$1000 - One engraved Dove next to the Giving Tree; Name Included in the Press Release
(Monthly payment of $83.00 over 12 months)
$2000 - Shared Dedication of a Medium Playscape Element; Name Included in the Press Release
(Monthly payment of $166.00 over 12 months)
$3000 - Individual dedication of a Medium Playscape Element; Name Included in the Press Release
(Monthly payment of $250.00 over 12 months)

Donations over $3,000 will receive a custom recognition that we will reach out to discuss and will be listed as a Top Donor in the Press Release

If you would like to make a pledge amount to be paid over an extended period of time, please reach out directly to the office by emailing admin@metroeastmontessori.com.

Below is an image of what our Giving Tree will look like!

Nature Playscape Elements

Above is the initial plan for the playscape. Please see the list of elements below.

Landscaping:
Bulb Garden
Wild Flowers
Native Pond Habitat
Children Log Seating

Medium Playscape Elements:
Monkey Bars
Burma Bridge
Hut
Mud Kitchen
Gazebo
Benches

Major Playscape Structures:
Mound Play Structure
Tree Play Structure

Kyra Lakin Nature Playscape Plan of Action

This project has been parsed out into 3 phases over 3 years.

2024-2025 School Year
Phase 1 -
Goal One: Bulb Garden; Wild Flowers (90% done!!)

Goal Two: Mound Structure;
Goal Three: New Swings; Monkey Bars; Children Log Seating

2025-2026 School Year
Phase 2 -
Goal One: Tree Play Structure;
Goal Two: Burma Bridge; Play Hut

2026-2027 School Year

Phase 3 -
Goal One: Music Area

Goal Two: Gazebo with seating
Goal Three: Native Pond Habitat

Fundraising Goals and Revenue Resources

We are currently applying for multiple grants and matching opportunities. Below are the fundraising goals for each phase.

Phase 1:
Goal One: $800 - Donated by the MEMS Parents' Group
Goal Two: $20,000 for Mound Structure
Goal Three: $8,000 for New Swings, Monkey Bars, and Children's Log Seating

Phase 2:

Goal One: $25,000 for Tree Play Structure
Goal 2: $5,000 for Burma Bridge and Play Hut

Phase 3:

Goal One: $20,000 for Outdoor Music Area
Goal Two: $6,000 for Gazebo with seating
Goal Three: $3,500 for Native Pond Habitat

Total Estimated Cost: $119,800

Kyra Lakin Nature Playscape

Creating a Space For Children to Connect With Nature