Partners: APAC A3, Power APAC PTA, Barksdale Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Jackson, McRae Foundation, Junior League of Jackson, Regions Bank and Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi 

Students impacted: 170+
Partnership duration: 1 year 

In fall 2015, Power APAC formed a playground committee to address student health and wellness issues as well as playground safety concerns and the need for updates, renovation and expansion. The “Kids in Motion-Minds in Motion" sustainable playground project was broken into several phases to address immediate needs and allow for further improvements as funding allows. Community support for the project has been tremendous, with $41,688 raised to-date and three phases of the project already completed. The latest phase in December 2016 involved the installation of safety surfacing on the playground.

Activities:

• Successful grant applications and GoFundMe campaign
• Student input into playground design and safety inspections
• Students wrote thank-you letters to sponsors
• Just Have a Ball and Watermelon Wellness Walk

Impacts:

• $41,000+ raised since 2015
• Increased community partnerships and parental involvement
• Raised school's profile in the community
• Better participation in Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi activities