Updated June 13, 2017

Help build the new Hillsdale Community Playground at Rieke Elementary School

Mary Rieke Elementary is Hillsdale’s neighborhood school and a vital part of the Hillsdale Town Center. The Rieke playground serves children and families in our community from dawn to dusk all year-round.

With the support of community members and civic organizations, the Mary Rieke PTA has launched a capital campaign. Your tax-deductible contribution today can turn vision into reality for the next generation!

Greater Play Variety · Enhanced Learning and Development · Serving All Ages

The existing playground is designed for children ages 3-7 while the new addition will benefit ages 3-12. A major and modern addition to the current playground will feature a rope climber, an obstacle course, spinners and natural elements.

Fundraising Goal: $125,000

Current: $118,700

Sources:

• Race for Rieke: $45,000
• Rieke PTA Donation: $25,000
• Matching Campaign: $20,000 (courtesy Hillsdale Community Foundation, Dr. John Rieke, Alton Straub & Jen DeVoe)
• Community/Parent Donations: $17,000 (see bottom of page for list of donors)
• Corporate Matching: $7,500 (courtesy Nike, Apple, Intel)
• Can & Bottle Collection: $2,200
• Spirit Wear: $2,000

How You Can Help

Project Timeline

• March 2017: Final Conceptual Design Completion, Initial Line Item Budget
• April 2017: Race for Rieke Fundraiser, Rieke Spirit Wear Fundraiser,
• Select Equipment Vendor
• May 2017: Revised Line Item Budget, updated for current funds raised, order playground equipment
• July 2017: Community Preparation of Playground Site
• August 2017: Installation of Hillsdale Community Playground at Rieke

A Community Resource · Community Supported

Our community playground sees constant use. Neighborhood residents, the growing school population, and visitors to the newly refurbished athletic field all need a safe, updated place to play. Your donation matters because Phase 1 construction in the summer of 2017 will lay the foundation for years to come.

Donate now or you can also mail a check, made payable to the Rieke PTA, to 1405 SW Vermont St., Portland, OR 97219.

The Hillsdale Community Playground at Rieke Elementary

Where: Rieke Elementary is located at 1405 SW Vermont St. (The Hillsdale Farmer’s Market takes place in the Rieke parking lot.) The new playground incorporates most of the area south of the athletic fields and north of the school buildings.

What: The new, architect-designed, play area will feature a rope climber, an obstacle course, and a variety of other new equipment alongside trees and natural play elements. There will be updated picnic facilities for families and updated games and activities on the asphalted areas of the playground.

When: Phase 1 construction to occur this in coordination with refurbishing of the athletic field.

Who: Rieke Elementary students use the playground during the school day. At other times the playground is busy with neighborhood children, visitors to the Hillsdale Farmer’s Market, and families attending sporting events at the newly refurbished Rieke field. In other words: lots of families from the Hillsdale community and all over Portland!

Why: The current playground is more than 21 years old. It is dated, geared toward younger children, and is very small. Construction on the adjacent field provides a once in a generation opportunity to build something better. If you have, or will have, children or grandchildren between ages 3 and 12 you should invest in this  fantastic place for your family to play!

How: With your donation! Portland Public Schools will not fund these improvements. It is up to the local community to raise funds and improve playground quality. We need your help to reach our goal of $125,000!

Thank you to all of our generous donors:

All the Rieke Students and Staff who participated in the Race for Rieke

***We have made every effort to list anyone outside of the Race for Rieke donors.  If you donated and you do not see your name, please accept our humble apologies and email Jim Meurer to be added to the list.  Additionally, if you would prefer to be listed a different way, or be removed from the list, please email Jim Meurer.

The Hillsdale Community Playground at Rieke project is being led by a group of parents and staff at Rieke Elementary School. We have 10 parents representing all the grade levels at Rieke Elementary and two staff members. We are still in the design phase so please feel free to send any suggestions through our Facebook page. 

Rieke PTA Tax ID: 93-1092969. *Please consult a tax professional.