Fifth graders present playground design survey results for Jump Park renovation

Fifth-grade students from Northrop Elementary presented their class survey and design recommendations for renovating Jump Park during the council's public comment portion.

The students said they surveyed pupils at Northrop, Finn and Claget schools to learn children’s preferences. The students reported younger children favored swings, zip lines, tunnels and mazes; older elementary students requested tire swings, zip lines and climbing features; middle school respondents preferred swings, monkey bars, a climbing wall, a tire swing and bungee dribbling. The group said a majority of children liked the idea of keeping wood in the design and that any recycled lumber would be considered.

Students also recommended inclusive features: ramps, adaptive swings, Braille signage, lower basketball hoops and rubber surfacing to accommodate children with disabilities.

"We appreciate the time that you have given us today, and we hope that you take our feedback into consideration," said Andrew, one of the student presenters for the class capstone project led by teacher Colleen Worley.

Parks and Recreation Director Worley told council he will use the students’ input to develop a conceptual drawing and arrive at a budget. He said the children’s participation will be valuable to the replacement planning process.

Next steps

Director Worley said staff will incorporate the students' feedback, prepare conceptual designs and present budget options to council for future consideration. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; the presentation was part of the public-introduction segment.

This presentation occurred during the meeting’s introduction of visitors and was recorded in the minutes as public comment.