We've been following the efforts to green the playground at Lea Elementary at 47th & Locust for a couple of years now, and it seems as if we're finally seeing some concrete (no pun intended) results. Recently, we got an email informing us of an "early" construction project taking place right now at Lea as well as a fundraising campaign in support of this effort. According to the West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools, the playground that was previously at the now-shuttered Wilson school is being brought over to Lea. In order for the transplanted playground to be installed, a new play surface has to be installed. This is a fine thing, because the black rubber squares that made up the old play surface looked pretty awful.

The old play surface

But here's the good news: The old surface has already been pulled up!

Tiles are up, worker's on the site

The new play surface, designed by Salt Design Studio, will sit below both the new playground and the old one. To make this possible, Greening Lea has asked for an early dispersal of $64K from the nearly $250K Stormwater Management Incentive Program grant they have in hand for their larger greening effort. The new play surface will be pourous, aiding in stormwater management on the site by reducing impervious surfaces by 4,400 sqft.

Rendering of the future, once the entire greening effort gets implemented

With all the money tagged for this project, you may be wondering why there's a fundraising effort going along with the new play surface installation. It turns out that the grant doesn't cover all of the costs for the project, including insurance and security to watch the site while the play surface cures. Greening Lea is looking to raise a mere $3,000 to cover these and other unexpected expenses. They've raised $725 out of the $3,000 in about a day. If you wish to make a donation to this project, click here. Every little bit helps!