L.A.
When our daughter was in elementary school, we did this.
It was at the time, expected to be about $55K.
We first asked the school district if they could work with us on the project. At the time they said they could offer the old playscape be torn down and taken away and they would prep the grounds on the school property. They also would pay for the Survey, the ground fill and a cement edge to go all around it. The city said they would pay for the sidewalks, so they would meet the ADA requirements.
The playground company gave us a discount by offering parents a chance to help put the playground together. It took about 5 hours one Saturday morning. I think about 50 parents showed up to help. The company supervised us. Of course in the end they inspected it and made adjustments, but this saved us a lot of money.
We then made a long range plan for 3 years to raise the funds.
The annual School Carnival and Auction funds would all go towards this project. At the time, we used to raise about 12K to 15K per year.
It was mostly the Auctions that brought in the most money.
Parents used to donate their Lake homes for a week, or Ski Homes, Homes, We even had a Grandparent donate a week at their home on the Florida coast!
Also for these 3 years, a local lumber company donated lumber and supplies, so that a Playhouse could be built (by parents) and then auctioned! It was always very well made and super cute. The parents built it right out in front of the School. You can imagine the excitement. We paid for a delivery company to deliver it to the winners home. This company gave us a discount.
Some people auctioned off Dinner parties at their homes..
One dad was in a Band, he offered his band to play at an event.
Babysitting.. all sorts of great ideas.
Eventually, the school district, put in Benches and a water fountain.
It can be done, but it did take a few years to raise the funds, but it is still there today. It has been about 15 years now.. The kids were so excited during the planning stages. They used the kids ideas, and wishes in the planning.