Petition to Improve and Clean Up the Kindergarten Yard at Holy Cross

To: Holy Cross Catholic School Administration and School Board
Subject: Request to Remove the Existing Sandbox and Improve the Kindergarten Yard

We, the undersigned parents, guardians, and members of the Holy Cross school community, are asking the school and school board to review and improve the current kindergarten outdoor play area.

In particular, we are requesting that the existing sandbox be removed and that the surrounding kindergarten yard be thoroughly cleaned up, maintained, and made into a safer, cleaner, and more appropriate outdoor space for our young students.

Reasons for this request

1. Cleanliness and hygiene
The current sandbox can collect dirt, debris, leaves, garbage, and other unwanted materials. A regularly used sandbox requires significant ongoing maintenance to remain sanitary and appropriate for young children.

2. Animal waste and contamination concerns
Outdoor sand can attract animals, including cats and other wildlife, creating concerns about urine, feces, and other contaminants being present in an area where young children play.

3. Safety concerns
A poorly maintained or deteriorating sandbox can create additional safety concerns, including debris, damaged surfaces, uneven areas, or other hazards that may not be immediately obvious.

4. The area could be better utilized
Removing the sandbox would create an opportunity to redesign the space into a more functional kindergarten yard that supports active play, imaginative play, gross-motor development, and social interaction.

5. Kindergarten students need engaging outdoor spaces
Young children benefit from outdoor environments that encourage movement, exploration, sensory experiences, and age-appropriate play. We would like to see the kindergarten yard provide a variety of safe and engaging opportunities rather than having space taken up by an outdated or underutilized sandbox.

6. Overall condition of the yard
We are asking that the entire kindergarten yard be assessed and cleaned up, including removing accumulated debris, addressing any damaged or unsafe areas, trimming overgrown vegetation where necessary, and ensuring the play space is well maintained.

7. A healthier and more welcoming environment
The kindergarten yard is an important part of the school day. Our children should have access to an outdoor space that is clean, safe, welcoming, and properly maintained.

Our request

We respectfully ask Holy Cross Catholic School and the school board to:

• Remove the existing sandbox.
  Thoroughly clean and inspect the kindergarten yard.
• Remove debris, garbage, and other potential hazards.
• Address any damaged, deteriorated, or unsafe areas.
• Review the overall layout and use of the outdoor space.
• Consider replacing the sandbox area with an age-appropriate play feature or open play space.
• Establish an appropriate maintenance schedule to ensure the yard remains clean and safe.

We understand that improvements may require planning and funding, and we appreciate the work that goes into maintaining school facilities. However, we believe the kindergarten yard deserves attention and would greatly benefit from being refreshed and improved for the children who use it every day.

We respectfully ask the school and school board to listen to the concerns of the kindergarten families and take action to improve this outdoor space.

Articles and resources:

Outdoor sandbox safety​

Sandbox Safety in Child Care Settings: Tips to Keep Kids Healthy, Happy, and Safe