Young children enjoy – and need – time outdoors. Playing with friends, expressing creativity and imagination, and soaking up the fresh air and sunshine allow fun and healthy habits to grow. In elementary schools, children receive a block of time to go outside and enjoy these things. However, some students are not able to participate equally on the school playground because of physical and intellectual differences.
Pendleton Elementary School students noticed this, and wanted to make a change. From this compassionate viewpoint, an inclusive playground project was born.
In 2018, the Open Hearts, Open Purses organization awarded Pendleton Elementary the $10,000 grant voted on by OHOP members.
PES used the grant to add more adaptive equipment to their playground and open the space to the entire community during after-school hours.
For students who are unable to experience playgrounds the same way as their peers, this inclusive playground offers a way for them to feel the joy of playing outside and feeling the benefits of being out in the fresh air with their friends. Whether it’s during school or after school, students of all abilities will be able to express their imagination and feel included.