Klamath Falls, Oregon – With the launch of its accessible playground, an area made just for young learners and students with special needs, Stearns Elementary School has entered a new age of inclusive play. The Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services gave $50,000 to the project, and the Klamath County School District helped out as well. The project makes a safe and welcoming place for every kid to play, move, and connect.
Last spring, staff came up with the concept after seeing that the school’s current playground, which was big and fenced in, made it hard for kids who needed closer supervision or adjustments to go to it. The new playground, which is tucked in an outside courtyard between the two wings of the school, meets those concerns by being safe, easy to get to, and good for both kindergarten and special education programs.
“We wanted a space that was both safe and inclusive,” said Leighanna Rickman, Klamath County School District’s principal of elementary special programs. “This new playground gives all students, regardless of their abilities, the chance to play and interact comfortably.”
The adapted play area has equipment that meets a variety of physical and sensory needs. There are swings that are easy to get to, a play structure with a ramp, and a merry-go-round that works with mobility equipment. A vibrant sensory wall adds color and texture to the room, which makes people want to explore and interact with it. Teachers have also brought in balls and other toys for open-ended play, and they can add more toys over time.
Safety and supervision have improved as well.
“On the larger playground, we used to need four or five staff members to help monitor students,” Rickman explained. “Here, two staff can easily supervise 15 to 20 students. It’s made a big difference.”
The new playground goes well with Stearns Elementary’s 200-meter walking track, which is open to everyone and is often utilized for field day and physical education programs. It now serves not only kindergarteners but also five special education classrooms, such as the Bridges, Communications, Behavior, and Transition programs.
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The playground is more than just a place for the 70 special education children at Stearns to play; it’s also an illustration of what inclusion looks like in action.
“This playground represents what we strive for as a district — inclusion, safety, and fun,” Rickman said. “Our students love it, and it’s been wonderful to see them so engaged and happy.”
