An item considered important by local elementary school principals is being checked off their wish lists. It’s new playgrounds.
Eleven of Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.’s 12 elementary schools are having new playgrounds installed — nearly all of them before the new school year begins Aug. 8. The Freedom Field playground at Parkside Elementary, which is operated by the Columbus Parks and Recreation department, is the only school playground not getting an upgrade.
Principals listed playgrounds as important when Superintendent Jim Roberts came on board two years ago, and for good reason. They encourage physical activity and socialization, and teachers consider playgrounds extensions of the classroom.
Unfortunately, not all elementary students benefited from the playgrounds. Some playgrounds were inaccessible to students with disabilities. Additional concerns about safety and the age-appropriateness of equipment factored into a desire for new playground equipment.
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The playgrounds cost a combined $3.07 million, part of a larger $6.7 million in upgrades — with cost covered through general obligation bonds — to schools and playgrounds.
They feature swing sets, slides, a shaded area, climbing tower, new surface areas and, most importantly, accessibility to people with disabilities.
Each playground has its own design, although some at several elementary campuses are similar. Principals were given basic designs to choose from and had input on the designs.
Columbus Signature Academy Lincoln and Mt. Healthy playgrounds will likely be finished a few days after school starts. When completed, the new play areas will benefit 6,100 elementary students in the district, in addition to the larger community when utilized by the public.
We’re heartened to hear that the new playgrounds will be accessible for the disabled, because inclusion and equal opportunity are important. Likewise, a focus on safety is reassuring, and the community’s ability to use the equipment is good to hear.
The upgraded playgrounds, which are community assets, should serve local children quite well.
