HOPE VALLEY ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND

Our elementary school is 18 years old, 68.2% free and reduced lunch, the playground equipment is original and in need of replacement. Many of our students cannot afford to participate in athletic activities outside of school and the playground is their only opportunity to play outside. Public schools are underfunded and the playgrounds do not take priority over educational needs for the school. We want to create a space where all our children can play, swing, run, jump and just be active children.

Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child.  Playgrounds can provide different opportunities to stimulate physical development for children of all ages, for example slides and swings promote balance and coordination, climbing frames strengthen their muscles, and tactile panels help with hand-eye skills. A child’s sense of physical strength and mastery can also be encouraged when they have achieved something very difficult.