Bring Back the Sand to Maxwell Park

Left: Sand play area soon after construction; Right: Current state of the sand. (photos by Chelsea Royalty and Nancy Karigaca) 

Dear Neighbors,

Peter Pan Cooperative Nursery School is a parent-run co-op and a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization (TaxID/EIN: 94-1135021). Our co-op has facilitated play-based early childhood education, parent education opportunities and public service projects for Oakland families since 1947. We've been in the Maxwell Park house (4618 Allendale Ave) since 1983 and love connecting with our neighbors - come say hi!

The Peter Pan community is organizing fundraising efforts to restore the sand play area in Maxwell Park ("lower park"—not the tot lot next to the school). Over the summer, we'll host a few small events and set up QR-coded donation signage, with bigger efforts planned around the back-to-school season in August and September.

The sand in Maxwell Park’s play space has severely eroded over the years due to flooding and drainage issues. Despite multiple attempts to get city support—including meetings and submitting bids—we’ve been unable to secure funding or resources from Parks and Rec. Last year, I obtained a quote from Bee Green, a local vendor trusted by our school and the City of Oakland, to deliver about six inches of certified play sand. The total cost is estimated at $1,500–$2,000.

Peter Pan will cover a large portion of this, but we need help from the broader community to make this project happen. Replenishing the sand will significantly improve the park for both neighborhood families and our schoolchildren, offering a safer and more fun play space for everyone.

Our first fundraising event is a Community Yard Sale:
Sunday, June 8th
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Peter Pan’s Tot Lot (next to the school)

Come browse gently used clothing, toys, household goods, and more—all proceeds go toward the sand project!

If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to call or text us at 510-261-5210 (number also posted on Peter Pan’s signage). If you would like to donate directly, Venmo @peterpanoakland or make out a check to Peter Pan Cooperative Nursery School (with Lower Park Sand Fundraising as the note). We will provide you with receipt of donation (if requested) and as we are a 501c3 you can claim any donation for tax purposes.

Let’s bring back the sand—together!

Warmly,
Chelsea Royalty
Director, Peter Pan Cooperative Nursery School