French Elementary celebrated the opening of its newly renovated platinum-level ADA accessible playground Aug. 11, a day before Klein ISD students returned to school.
The details
The playground is the first platinum-level ADA playground in the Greater Houston area, per an April news release, meaning its equipment and design comply with the highest level of federal and state standards and accessibility codes.
The playground features “accessible ramps, sensory play elements, wheelchair-friendly surfaces and collaborative structures that encourage active play, social interaction and physical development,” according to the release.
“Designed so children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow together, this innovative space features accessible equipment and thoughtful design elements that remove barriers and provide more opportunities for every student to experience the joy of play,” an Aug. 11 statement from KISD read.
The context
The playground is funded from a $12,000 Klein ISD Education Foundation grant, per the April release, which was delivered in a surprise visit to the school. It is part of $92,781 in grants the Klein ISD Education Foundation awarded this spring. French Elementary is one of two schools that received money to improve playground accessibility.
Pogue Construction, a McKinney-based company with offices in Houston and Fort Worth, sponsored the playground. The company previously helped renovate Strack Intermediate, according to a February news release.
