Duclos School is hoping students will have a brand new, accessible playground next week.
“We’ve been planning this project for about 10 months,” says Principal Richard Cameron. “So since last February or March we began talking about improving our playground by building some pieces of equipment out there suitable to all students, and new and exciting and different to the kids. But also help the needs of those with sensory issues or mobility issues.”
All the pieces are geared for group interaction. A merry-go-round type type piece called an Omnispinner has high backs to accommodate children of different abilities. A giant swing with a giant bowl that allows four kids to use it at a time is included as well. Some other swings with bucket seats are in the plans so that children who have trouble holding on can use them safely. For more creatively inclined types, there’s drums and xylophones to jam out on too. Kids will also be able to slide on rollers and use a see-saw for six to eight.
Lots of thought went into the project. The school consulted with the Glen Rose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton and worked closely with their occupational therapist in the design. The playground is also being built close to the paved areas of the schoolyard to further increase accessibility.
Some of playground has been paid for with fundraising and donations, but the school hasn’t fully recovered expenses yet.