Brockway Elementary opens a $100,000 inclusive playground after three-year effort

# What changed at Brockway Area Elementary

# How the project got started and who paid for it

# What the playground includes The new area combines traditional play structures with features meant to serve a wider range of needs:

• Standard playground equipment for climbing and sliding.
• Sensory features designed to engage children with different sensory needs.
• An open area for sports and unstructured play.

School officials also say they are working to add communication boards and an adaptive swing to increase accessibility for students with special needs.

# Why the update was needed The school says the previous play area had been built 27 years ago. Staff observed that students needed more space and varied equipment to be active during recess. Principal Candace Patricelli described recess as downtime where students can play and socialize, calling the new playground "very valuable."

# Timeline and local involvement The project unfolded over about three years. Community donations covered fiscal needs, while volunteers and maintenance staff completed installation work. That combination of grassroots fundraising and hands-on volunteer labor shortened equipment installation costs and involved local residents directly in the school improvement.

# What leaders said Teacher Sue Olsakovsky summarized the origin: watching kids at recess led to the idea for expansion. Principal Patricelli framed the playground as critical for student activity and social time, noting students use recess to relax and interact with friends.

# Next steps and accessibility goals Beyond the installed equipment, school officials plan to add communication boards and an adaptive swing to make the space more usable for students with disabilities. Those additions aim to broaden access and ensure students with special needs can participate more fully.

# Practical takeaways for other schools or groups If a school or community wants to pursue a similar project, this example highlights concrete steps: a staff member identifying the need, local fundraising to cover costs, volunteer labor to reduce installation expense, and phased improvements that start with core equipment and later add accessibility features.

# Immediate impact Students gain a larger, more varied play area that includes sensory elements and room for sports. The school positions this as both a physical-activity upgrade and a social space where children can decompress and interact.