Weatherford Independent School District is the First School District Recognized as a Inclusion National Demonstration Site District by PlayCore
Weatherford, TX (PRWEB) December 04, 2018 -- Weatherford Independent School District is the first school district to be recognized for their work in ensuring that inclusive play is achievable at all seven elementary schools in the district.
The inclusive project started in 2014 when the school district contacted Bryan O’Connor, Sales rep from Total Recreation Products/GameTime to help them implement an inclusive play strategy.
The driving force of this project was Sami Wimberly Gibson, mother of student, Mayli, who was not able to enjoy the old playground at her school since it had too many barriers for her.
Weatherford ISD has seen that inclusive play is a vital component in community development. Now all seven elementary schools have an inclusive playground for all the students of Weatherford to enjoy. “It’s just been remarkable to see the impact that it’s had on our children at our elementary campuses,” shares WISD Superintendent Jeffery Hanks.
Weatherford ISD hosted “Inclusive Play Day” featuring a ribbon cutting and dedication event for the new inclusive playgrounds on September 20, 2018 at Raymond E. Curtis Elementary School.
Schools in Weatherford that received inclusive playgrounds include:
• Stephen F. Austin Elementary
• David Crockett Elementary
• Raymond E. Curtis Elementary
• Bose Ikard Elementary
• Mary Martin Elementary
• Juan N. Seguin Elementary
• Bill W. Wright Elementary
Each playground’s design is focused around the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design®, as outlined in Me2®, a program developed in partnership with PlayCore and Utah State University’s Center for Persons with Disabilities. The program provides an overview of why inclusion is so important, helpful research to help stakeholders understand diversity, inclusion, and social equity, and tips for designing inclusive play environments that benefit the whole child, whole environment, and whole community.®
To continue to celebrate Weatherford ISD’s commitment to advancing play and recreation through best practices, the schools receive a certificate of recognition, become a part of a network of potential research sites, and will be promoted actively to other communities wishing to create recreation spaces using design and/or programming. To locate the new site, and other National Demonstration Sites, check out http://www.playcore.com/nds/map.
About PlayCore:
PlayCore is a purpose driven Company committed to building stronger communities around the world by advancing play and recreation. The company infuses scholarly learning, through its Center for Outreach, Research, and Education, into its comprehensive family of brands. PlayCore combines best-in-class educational programming with the most comprehensive portfolio of play and recreation products and services to create tailored solutions that match the unique needs of each community served. Learn more at http://www.playcore.com.
Anne-Marie Spencer, PlayCore, https://www.playcore, 877-762-7563, [email protected]
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