New Turf at Timber Trail Elementary Expands Playtime, Improves Safety
Timber Trail Elementary installed a new 9,600 square foot turf on its playground, unveiled December 1, 2025, after parents and community members met the fundraising goal during the school’s largest fundraiser, the Timber Trot in September. The upgrade keeps students playing through wet and snowy weather, reduces muddy clothing and related disruptions, and adds durable features tailored for youth sports and everyday recess use.
Timber Trail Elementary installed a 9,600 square foot artificial turf on its playground over fall break, providing a year round surface for recess and physical education. The project was funded by parents and community supporters who reached the school’s fundraising goal during the Timber Trot in September, the school’s biggest annual fundraiser. The surface was unveiled to students on December 1, 2025.
School leaders highlighted practical benefits for families and staff. The turf allows children to play during wet or snowy weather without getting soaked or muddy, which reduces the need for teachers to contact parents for clothing changes and keeps more students active during winter weeks. The addition includes a set of soccer goals to support popular sports programs, and students have been enjoying new activities such as human hamster balls, giant inflatable spheres that roll across the field for outdoor play.
The turf was installed with materials chosen for safety and comfort rather than rubber pellets. The system uses crushed granite, sand padding, an extra layer of sand, and an irrigation system. The sand layer helps keep the turf warm while the padding balances softness and durability. Assistant Principal Michael Cordova described the effect on student behavior and comfort. “It’s like a big green blanket,” he said. “Kids love laying on it, rolling around and just enjoying the space.”
Parent Teacher Organization Co Presidents Dawn Medina and Desiree Gentile credited the broader community for the success of the fundraiser and the installation. “We are so grateful to our community and the kids of TTE for all their hard work to reach our goal. It’s been wonderful watching them enjoy the new turf whether they’re doing cartwheels, playing soccer, or just relaxing and chatting with friends. Seeing their excitement makes all the effort worth it.”
For Douglas County families, the turf represents both an immediate boost to student well being and a longer term investment in school athletics and daily recess. The surface increases usable days on the playground during months when grass would be too wet or damaged, reduces routine maintenance related to muddied fields, and provides a safer, more consistent surface for organized sports and informal play.
