ARA Foundation and Toro Company lead volunteer effort to build five new children’s play spaces

The American Rental Association (ARA) Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation partnered in July to bring new life to outdoor play areas at The Playing Field’s new childcare facility in Madison, Wis.

This large-scale community project rallied more than 30 volunteers and contributions from 11 companies — including Toro, Ditch Witch, Event Essentials, MJ Miller Combined Companies, Lincoln Contractors Supply, Manitou, Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Sunbelt-Sun Prairie, JK Rentals, Middleton Farmers Coop, Hitachi Global Air Power and United Way of Dane County.

Together, the volunteers and donors transformed an old lumber yard into five inviting playgrounds by installing 81 cubic yards of mulch, 1,760 square feet of sod, and multiple new trees, creating a safe and engaging environment for children to enjoy. Despite extreme summer heat, workers said they were inspired after a surprise visit from the children who will use the space later this year.

The Playing Field, a Dane County nonprofit, provides affordable childcare and early education for families working to break the cycle of poverty. Beyond education, the organization partners with Road Home and Plumbers Union Local 75 to expand family access to housing support, workforce development, and case management services.

“This would’ve taken us a month to do on our own and cost far more than we could ever afford,” said Abbi Kruse, executive director of The Playing Field. “We’re just so grateful for the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this happen.”

In addition to the donated labor and materials, the ARA Foundation awarded The Playing Field a $20,000 grant to cover project-related expenses.

The effort is part of the ARA Foundation Community Impact Program, which supports initiatives across the country that improve local communities where ARA members live and work. The new Madison childcare facility is slated to open in September.