REINBECK — Climbing closer now.

The Gladbrook-Reinbeck PTO made a big leap recently as part of its efforts to raise more than $265,000 for a new playground at the elementary school here following an unexpected $25,000 donation in late March from Peoples Savings Bank (PSB).

“The Gladbrook-Reinbeck PTO was very surprised by [PSB’s] generous donation,” G-R kindergarten teacher and PTO member Addison Smith told the newspaper via email. “We are looking forward to having them come into our town and working with them in the future.”

PSB is currently in the midst of an expansion into Reinbeck, constructing a new building at the corner of Center Street and Grundy Avenue with plans to open this August. In recent months, the financial institution has made similar, significant donations and/or matching pledges to the Reinbeck Park Board and the Reinbeck Public Library. PSB also recently donated to Gladbrook-Reinbeck FFA’s greenhouse program.

Including the new playground equipment, buddy benches, and pour-and-play rubber, the total cost for the new playground is $265,900, Smith said — a figure that takes into account the installation being undertaken by (supervised) volunteers.

As of the end of March, the fundraiser was more than 75% funded with $63,000 left to raise.

“Between all of our fundraising efforts [including] UNI Volleyball Camp, Miracle on Main auction baskets and Reinbeck Art Festival [plus] grants and personal/business donations, we are really excited about how much we have raised in such a short amount of time. We started fundraising for the playground in July 2025,” Smith explained.

According to Smith, the playground being replaced has already been removed due to both safety concerns and the district’s new elementary addition. G-R broke ground April 7 on an $8.9 million, six-classroom addition funded with SAVE (sales tax) bond proceeds and cash on hand (per previous Sun Courier reporting).

“The new playground will go exactly where the old playground was and will be connected by sidewalks to the building and other parts of the playground,” Smith continued. “The new blacktop with four new basketball hoops will be moved to the south of the new addition. The playground will be ADA compliant and accessible for all to use. The school district has pledged money and groundwork to go toward the playground.”

In the push to reach its goal, the PTO recently launched the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual Read-a-Thon.

“The G-R PTO is raising funds for a brand-new, fully inclusive playground designed so all kids can play together, featuring accessible surfaces, ramps, and engaging equipment for every ability,” the PTO posted to social media April 10. “We’re already 76% of the way to our goal – and with your help, we can cross the finish line! Every donation, big or small, makes a real impact. To recognize our amazing community, donors will be honored on a permanent donor wall at the playground.”

As of press time (Thursday, April 16), the Read-a-Thon had netted $6,566 toward its $20K goal with 8,856 minutes of reading completed by students.

Those who would like to donate to the G-R PTO Read-a-Thon have two options; send a check to G-R PTO, 300 Cedar St.,Reinbeck, IA 50669, or visit https://app.99pledges.com/fund/grptoreads where supporters can either donate by searching for a particular student (first name, last initial) or proceed to the main fundraiser.