(Photos by Noah Graham for Eat. Learn. Play.)
Eat. Learn. Play., in partnership with their community allies, celebrated the unveiling of a revamped playspace at Laurel Elementary School, introducing a dynamic environment for students to engage, learn, and thrive. This ambitious project encompasses two multi-sport courts, a playground crafted by children, a sprawling mural enveloping the school, and an immersive nature exploration zone complemented by a Little Town Library—a space that seamlessly combines a love for nature and reading.
To kick off the day, Stephen and Ayesha Curry actively participated in packing Christmas gift boxes filled with culturally affirming books. These festive boxes will bring joy to over 17,000 elementary students in the Oakland Unified School District this December. The Currys, alongside Eat. Learn. Play.’s steadfast supporters, dedicated the day to putting the final touches on the revitalized schoolyard.
The event concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony, where gratitude was expressed to the 170+ volunteers. In a surprise announcement made in collaboration with Champion Charities, more than 500 tickets to The Lion King Broadway show in San Francisco on December 3 were generously gifted to the entire student body and staff at Laurel Elementary School.
Notable figures present included Eat. Learn. Play. Co-Founders Stephen and Ayesha Curry, CEO & President Chris Helfrich, VP of Philanthropy at Salesforce and former Laurel Elementary Principal Ron Smith, Chair Board of Trustees at Davidson College Allison Mauze, NFL Hall of Fame 49ers Ronnie Lott, Laurel Elementary Principal John Stangl, volunteers, and community partners.
Oakland Unified School District schools serve as a strategic intersection for Eat. Learn. Play.’s three pillars, offering a platform for maximum impact and reaching nearly 35,000 students in their daily lives. In collaboration with dedicated community partners, Eat. Learn. Play. is actively contributing to immediate, tangible improvements for Oakland students while advocating for systemic changes to uplift the well-being of youth throughout the community.
The transformation at Laurel Elementary School not only rejuvenates the physical space but also symbolizes a commitment to creating positive educational and recreational environments for Oakland’s young learners. Eat. Learn. Play. continues to be a beacon of change, fostering a culture of learning, playing, and growing in communities where it matters the most.
