NORTHAMPTON — In front of RK Finn Ryan Road Elementary School in Florence stands a new playground that children run out to play on during their recess period. They swing, slide and bounce their way across the various structures built into the playground, playing and chatting with their friends.
This of course isn’t an unusual scene for an elementary school. But what makes this new playground unique is the effort taken to ensure this new playground is truly accessible and inclusive for all children — while still offering plenty of fun.
“The playground at our school was very old, and it was time to be updated,” said Principal Rebecca LeBeau. “It was a three-year process of trying to plan and design and pick out the perfect pieces of equipment for the playground.”
The playground was funded with a $270,000 Community Preservation Act grant from the city, and opened for use on Oct. 1. Sarah Hougen, a physical therapist for the school district, had a role in securing the grant and designing the new playground.
“Recess is one of the hardest times to include students in wheelchairs,” Hougen said. “Now they can be in this space and access the majority of stuff.”
The design of the playground pays meticulous attention to detail when considering inclusiveness. The surface of the grounds is made up of soft rubber, rather than woodchips, to ensure maximum mobility. There are no steps on the playground, with elevated structures connected entirely by ramps. A spinning “merry-go-round”-like structure also enables wheelchair access for kids to use.
But LeBeau stressed the playground did more than just provide for kids with mobility issues.
“I’ve been using the word ‘inclusive’ instead of accessible,” LeBeau said. “Yes, it’s accessible that anyone in a wheelchair can get around to every part of the playground, but there’s things where kids that have sensory needs are able to access the playground.”
It features structures specializing in auditory or sensory play, such as bell chimes and drums. A “communication board” posted near the entrance allows nonverbal students to express themselves by pointing at various icons and symbols. Dome and cave-like structures allow for students to get some isolation while still staying among their peers.
“Not every kid likes to run, jump and play,” Hougen said. “This allows for more engagement from them.”
In a speech given during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new playground, LeBeau highlighted the importance of inclusive playgrounds for schools.
“Inclusive playgrounds foster social interaction, support diverse sensory needs, and offer varied play experiences that ensure every child feels a sense of belonging,” LeBeau said at the event. “These values: connection, inclusion, and community — are what guided the design of this beautiful new space.”
LeBeau also recalled that the schoolchildren were also excited during the playground’s opening, if only to get to see a ribbon-cutting.
“I think they were more excited about the giant scissors than the playground itself,” LeBeau said. “They were all chanting ‘Cut the ribbon! Cut the ribbon!'”
