RAPID CITY, S.D. (Aug. 16, 2025) – A Rapid City nonprofit school will soon have a new outdoor play space thanks to a national community improvement initiative.
EmpowerEd has been selected as a Lowe’s Hometowns project — one of 100 large-scale renovations chosen this year to revitalize nonprofit and community spaces across the country. Now in its fourth year, the Lowe’s Hometowns program is part of the company’s five-year, $100 million commitment to restoring and improving millions of square feet of community space.
The grant will fund the construction of a custom-designed playground in the courtyard at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, where EmpowerEd shares space. Volunteers from EmpowerEd and Lowe’s will install swings, slides, climbing walls, towers and other features designed to encourage active play and creativity in a safe environment.
EmpowerEd’s 40-plus students will benefit from the playground during daily recesses, lunch breaks and before- and after-school programs. The school also serves more than 50 children during its summer program, and the facility is used by other kids during church services and community events.
“This new playground will be a space where our children can imagine, explore and be active together,” EmpowerEd leaders said in a statement.
Across the country, Lowe’s Hometowns projects are enhancing food pantries, upgrading transitional housing, revitalizing parks and creating rest spaces for first responders. The company has pledged to deliver 10 million square feet of impact through such efforts.
More information about Lowe’s Hometowns projects is available at Lowes.com/hometowns and by following #HowLowesHelps on social media.
