From Hazard to Haven: Read Elementary Playground

Challenge

Read Elementary School, a diverse pre-K through 5th grade neighborhood school in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, needed a new playground to address the safety, health, and learning requirements of its students. The old playground caused various injuries and accidents, with 43% of students experiencing harm on the playground equipment in the first 53 days of the 2022-23 school year. It also did not support the student's mental and emotional well-being due to a lack of stimulating and safe play, especially after challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screeners, an observational measure used by teachers to help identify students with social and emotional behavioral risks, 17% of the students were at some risk for trauma, and 8% were at high risk, amplifying the need for a comfortable and fun space. The school also had a high percentage of students of color, students with disabilities, English language learners, economically disadvantaged students, and refugees, who all deserved a healthy and safe environment to learn and succeed in life.

Solution

SEH was contracted to develop a Playground Master Plan for Read Elementary in collaboration with the Oshkosh Fire Department, the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, the school principal, and the parent of a student. The Master Plan was based on the goals and vision of the stakeholders and the school programming, and it was used as a planning and fundraising document for the district.

The SEH team proposed various play, movement, and learning opportunities that could support the needs and demands of the students, staff, and community. This involved joining with students and families in the planning process by asking them to draw their dream playground and vote for their favorite playground components.

Now, the new fire station-themed playground brings numerous benefits to the students and the school community as it:

• Provides a safe and creative space for students to play, connect, and heal, enhancing their overall well-being and learning.
• Promotes inclusive play for all students, accommodating various physical, developmental, and sensory conditions, while meeting ADA standards for accessibility.
• Enables outdoor education, which increases academic achievement, particularly in critical thinking and STEM subjects, by making schoolwork more engaging and relevant to the real world.

Teachers are noticing the positive impact of the new playground on the students, who return to the classroom more focused and ready to learn after having their "cups filled" from the various play options. The design itself may also inspire the diverse body of students to envision themselves as future firefighters, helping the kids to dream big about their career path.

The new playground at Read Elementary School was a successful outcome of a collaborative effort between SEH and numerous stakeholders. This project has improved the school's physical environment and continues to enhance the quality of life and education for students, staff, and the entire community.

Through generous community donations of time, money, and services, the children of Read Elementary now have the playground of their dreams.