Eisenhower Elementary launches inclusive playground project for special education students

The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education convened on December 16, 2024, to discuss several key initiatives, including the Eisenhower Elementary Playground Project, aimed at enhancing accessibility for students with special needs.

The meeting began with a presentation on the playground project, which has been in development for two years, led by Mrs. Strathman, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Frase. The project is designed to create an inclusive play environment for students, particularly those in the life skills classroom at Eisenhower Elementary, which serves medically fragile students with unique needs. Currently, the playground offers limited recreational opportunities, primarily a small swing set installed years ago.

Mrs. Strathman highlighted the importance of providing accessible play areas, noting that the existing playground does not accommodate students who are wheelchair-bound or require additional support. The proposed improvements include a new main structure with wheelchair accessibility, adaptive equipment for inclusive play, and a large swing structure that allows all students to swing together. A significant enhancement will be the installation of a turf surface, which will facilitate easier movement for students in wheelchairs, compared to the current pea gravel and grass surfaces.

Funding for the project is primarily sourced from special education funds, with $217,000 allocated from the Special Education Cooperative, supplemented by approximately $8,000 from McPherson USD 418. The board expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to foster inclusion and engagement among students of varying abilities.

The meeting concluded with a call for the board to finalize the project, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the school community. The Eisenhower Elementary Playground Project represents a significant step towards creating an inclusive environment where all students can participate in play and social interaction.