Carrington Cares: A Walkway to Belonging

How Carrington Cares Helped Transform a Playground in Middleton, WI

There are projects that begin with a blueprint and end with a bill. Then there are projects that begin with a phone call and end with something far more lasting: a sense of connection.

This spring, Carrington Lawn & Landscape was approached by the Middleton School District’s Early Learning Center with a modest but meaningful request. The staff hoped to install a small sensory walkway in their playground—something tactile and engaging for their students, many of whom live with special needs or learning disabilities. The idea was simple, but the cost was prohibitive.

We didn’t hesitate to take on this Middleton charity landscape project.

At Carrington, we believe that landscape design has a role beyond aesthetics. It can shape how people interact with their world, how they move, how they feel. That belief is what powers our charitable initiative, Carrington Cares. When the Early Learning Center shared their vision, we saw an opportunity to apply our landscaping expertise in a way that could impact lives far beyond the bounds of a backyard or business front.

Building More Than a Walkway

What began as a small sensory path grew into a more ambitious enhancement. In addition to expanding the original size of the sensory walkway, our team created a durable paver walkway to create better access around the play area. We laid fresh sod to revitalize the green space, ensuring it was safe and enjoyable for play. And we built a paver pad designed to hold an art easel—creating a quiet, creative space where students can express themselves through drawing, painting, or exploration.

The result is a playground that doesn’t just serve its students—it honors them. It’s a space that says, “You belong here.”

 

 

Community-Driven Landscaping in Middleton

Landscaping is often seen as a private matter: something homeowners do to improve curb appeal or create a personal sanctuary. But we’ve always believed that the best landscaping starts with listening to people, recognizing the opportunity to help, and taking action.

As a company rooted in the Madison and Middleton communities, our team is proud to donate time, talent, and materials to projects that align with our values. This one reminded us that great design can be both beautiful and deeply human. It’s not just about what’s installed—it’s about the impact it leaves behind.

 

 

A Note of Thanks

After the project was completed, the students surprised our staff with a handmade thank-you card and a colorful sign, tokens of appreciation that melted our hearts. These gestures were more than just sweet—they were reminders of why our business exists and the deep roots we can set in our community.

 

 

If you know of a need in our community that could be served through landscape design, installation, or maintenance, please reach out to our team.

The Middleton and Madison areas are our home, and we are here to live out our mission: to empower personal and professional growth so that, together, we can positively impact the lives of our team, clients, and local community.