As young kids out on the playground, how often did we stop and think how lucky we are to have two legs that allow us to run and play with our friends? How often did we stop and think how lucky we are to be able to laugh and talk with our friends? The answer is probably never. But what about the kids who aren’t as lucky? The kids who can’t run and talk with their friends? That is where North Wales Elementary School’s Playground Committee comes in.

One of North Penn School District’s many elementary schools, North Wales, is taking big strides at making their school a more inclusive place. After a discussion arose regarding a new playground, North Wales School Board members decided to take the discussion one step further. 

“The campaign is called Play North Wales and we started it about two years ago at this point. There were a number of parents and staff members who expressed a variety of concerns about the playground,” North Wales School Board chairperson Megan Forman shared. “Everything here is at least twenty years old and some things are likely older. But we also felt the need to address accessibility concerns.  The playground just doesn’t meet the modern needs of our students at this point.”

Over the past few years, North Wales has noticed a significant increase in the diversity among their students. Much of this diversity includes students with mental and physical disabilities. This has prompted the staff and school board members to try and make the school feel more inclusive. With this in mind, the school board is making an effort to update play equipment and provide a space for students who may not want to play with others.  

“We have such a diverse population at our school and all our students have such diverse needs,” Inclusion Coordinator Gabriella DiMona stated. “I think when we look at the current phase, one thing missing from the playground is a space where students can go and experience tranquility and a space where they can just come and relax outside as opposed to the active play”. 

So far, the school has implemented some new play equipment as part of the first phase of the Play North Wales project. As they enter the second phase, the committee members are starting to work on the more inclusive parts of the playground.

“Phase one is done, which includes putting in the gaga pit and the funnel ball. Now, we are actively in fundraising mode for phase two, which is the sensory garden and the mosaic wall,” Forman explained. 

For those unaware of the purpose of a sensory garden, it is an area designed to stimulate the five senses. By stimulating the senses, children can communicate better and use their social skills. While sensory gardens are typically designed for students who struggle socially, the garden can be used by anyone who feels they are struggling. 

“You know some kids might not be into playing football or the crazy games that they play, so I think this space will create more options and for our students, having choices is huge. We can’t just say this one size fits all, so this is just a space we can give them where they have the opportunity to regulate themselves,” Speech Language Pathologist Jill Muller explained. “I think we have seen a big growth in the number of kids diagnosed with things like ADHD, so some kids need a space where they can sit still. I think providing this space will be beneficial for everyone”. 

While the sensory garden is one tool designed to help students express themselves, another tool that has already been introduced to the playground is the speech board. The speech board represents an ACC device which is a device commonly used to help non-verbal people communicate. However, Muller has found that this speech board is beneficial for all students.  

“About a year ago our speech department chair reached out and said they were initiating putting these speech boards in every playground in the district, but these boards aren’t just for the non-verbal students. This board is for your typical peers or even the ones who may have ADHD or Autism,” Muller explained. “This board is there in case there are times that students have difficulty communicating or expressing their feelings. There is so much different vocabulary on this board. There are emotions, there are actions, and there are pieces of playground equipment in case someone is unable to ask another student to play with them. Every student has the right to communicate and we don’t want to neglect that”.

As the committee continues to discuss the different phases of the project, they are hopeful they can get the funding to carry out the rest of their plans. 

“It really comes down to looking at funding and what we have and nothing is set in stone. But, looking at our original plans, we have many things still in the works,” Forman shared. “Ideally, the plan is to get a continuous path of something like blacktop that goes throughout the mulch area because it is not easy for people with wheelchairs and prosthetics to get through the mulch. There are other types of equipment we plan on bringing in such as spinning equipment because it has been known that spinning can be really good for self-regulation. Some students really just need to swing and spin so we want to incorporate equipment like that as well”. 

As for funding, the committee has come up with many creative ideas to help fund the playground. On Thursday, May 2, North Wales hosted a party for the playground that allowed students, their families, and people in the community to come out and support the playground project. The event included food trucks, raffles, a foam party, unlimited lemonade, and more. 

“The purpose of the playground party was not only to raise money but also to bring people together. The idea was to be outside, be in the physical space that is being renovated, and invite people from inside and outside of the school to come together,” Forman revealed. “We wanted to remind people how special this community is and why a recreation space would be beneficial for everyone”. 

The playground party was a huge success, raising about $9,500. Everyone on the committee was super excited they got the word out and got to show the community how important inclusion on the playground is for students. 

“I think the more we can talk about inclusion and diversity the better. When you look at North Penn there are four tenants and one of them is ensuring belonging. I think there are such easy opportunities to make small changes that will help students feel like this is a space for them,” Forman shared. “I keep reminding people while working on this playground, that for me, it has nothing to do with any one particular student and it has everything to do with bringing the students together. In this day and age where kids just want to sit on screens all day long, having an engaging playground that kids can walk to from their house means something”. 

While the committee hopes they can show the community the importance of inclusion on the playground, they also want to inspire the kids. 

“By spearheading this project, parents and teachers are showing their kids and students that this is how you act in the real world. You advocate for the people who aren’t getting what they need and who don’t have spaces where they feel welcomed, and it spills over into how our students interact with each other in the school,” DiMona expressed. 

As the playground continues to come together, the committee gets more and more excited watching their vision come to life. While the community may not be able to see the full vision yet, Forman is particularly confident that they will be able to see it soon. 

“Many people don’t fully understand what we are trying to do but for me, I see it, I have a clear vision in my head. I am just so excited about it,” Forman said with a smile. “I think we should be showing kids that if you put some time and energy into something you can accomplish so much”.