Rock Port’s littlest Blue Jays are excited that the school has received a $300,000 matching grant through the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the renovation of the Rock Port playground. Plans include all new equipment and bonded rubber safety surfacing.

The Rock Port R-II School District has announced that it has been awarded a $300,000 matching grant through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support the renovation of the Rock Port Elementary playground. The grant is part of a federal program administered by the National Park Service in partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Rock Port was one of just 10 projects selected to advance for federal grant consideration from a competitive pool of 43 applications requesting more than $13.8 million in funding statewide.

The grant provides a major boost to the district’s approximately $600,000 playground renovation project. The complete renovation will feature all-new playground equipment, inclusive play opportunities, ADA-compliant features, concrete curbing, and bonded rubber safety surfacing. These improvements will create a safer, more accessible, and welcoming recreational space for students and families to enjoy for years to come.

Securing this grant was a critical step toward the project’s anticipated completion in fall 2027. The Rock Port R-II School District has demonstrated its commitment to this project by pledging significant financial support to ensure its completion. The playground committee will continue pursuing additional grant opportunities, business sponsorships, community donations, and fundraising efforts to complement the district’s investment and help offset a portion of the project’s costs.

The Rock Port R-II School District and playground committee appreciate everyone who has already supported this effort, as well as the National Park Service and Missouri Department of Natural Resources for their investment in our students and community.

With continued community support, we look forward to creating a playground that will serve generations of Rock Port Blue Jays.

For more information about the project or to learn how you can contribute to this exciting endeavor, please contact the Rock Port Elementary office at 660-744-6294 or email Jennifer Geib at jennifer.geib@rpbluejays.com.