MUNCIE, Ind. — After an improvement grant to Muncie Community Schools, a variety of new playgrounds were built on many school grounds. South View Elementary is one of the schools that welcomed the new addition.
“Muncie community schools applied for a grant to help cover the cost because playgrounds are very expensive, and we were awarded the grant, and they started construction in July,” Principal Casey Smitherman said.
The new playground brings a more vibrant and colorful space for all children to play, learn, and be their authentic selves. Now, the playground is much bigger and brighter and has more equipment for student interaction.
With 60 preschool children and two classes of exceptional needs students, it was important for this playground to have more accessibility than before.
“It has wheelchair ramps so they can get to all levels of it. It has swings that can be strapped in, so students who have physical or other disabilities can get in. Or even our smaller students who might not be safe on a regular swing,” Smitherman said.
The playground is structured for students between the ages of five and 12 years old. It also has sensory equipment, like spinning seats and music chimes. So far, the students have been enjoying the new addition, and it is expected to be in shape for many years.
“Our kids who were using the one in the back were like, ‘We want to go up there now.’ Everybody wants to be up front. So they love it and even talk about coming here after school hours,” Smitherman added.
To those with students who do not attend South View Elementary and want to utilize the playground, it is open to all community members in the Muncie area during weekends and after school hours.
Contact Kahmara Munn with comments at kahmara.munn@bsu.edu.
