Friends of McDonald School is a volunteer organization that raises money for community space improvements on the McDonald Elementary School grounds at 54th St. and Latona Avenue in north Wallingford. In 2008 the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) Program awarded the group $15,000, which, combined with $9000 in community donations, paid for a very popular new play structure, and for refurbishing several old seating structures.   In addition, neighbors donated several thousand dollars to install a new basketball hoop, now on the west side of the school. 

In 2009 the group was awarded another grant ($13,000 from the King Co. Youth Sports Facilities Program and $15,000 from the NMF) and has collected an additional $9,000 in donations from local residents and their employers. At open community workshops this winter attendees decided to devote the approximately $37,000 in funds available in 2010 to preparing a site for and installing one or more new play structure(s).  The main new play structure will be located in the northeast corner of the east play field. 

The third of three open community workshops will take place on April 27 from 7-9 pm at Green Lake Elementary School. Participants will select specific play structure or structures to purchase and install.  The workshop is free to the public and will include refreshments.

If all goes as planned, Friends of McDonald will hold two culminating events open to the public:

▪                June 26-27 installation & cleanup, with the help of community volunteers

▪                July 17 celebration of improvements

For more information, visit the FOM website: http://friendsofmcdonaldschool.blogspot.com/

To get involved, contact McDonaldSchool@gmail.com or call 206-525-1566.