A wide discussion has brought to my attention that many parents picture this as a simple swing set. That’s not the vision.

What we are really asking for is an age-appropriate outdoor fitness/recreation space, like many middle schools, high schools, and even colleges already have. These areas can include climbing structures, balance challenges, workout stations, and team play equipment. They’re designed for older kids, not little ones, and help with fitness, focus, and even reducing bullying.

Most importantly, JRMS students themselves will have the chance to express what they want. The principal has already mentioned surveying the kids, which ensures that whatever is built will reflect their voices and their needs.

Right now, recess has almost nothing to offer. Not everyone is into what’s currently available, and in reality only a few kids can actually use it during the entire grade’s recess. This isn’t fair or inclusive. An outdoor fitness/play space would change that and give all students more options.

And it wouldn’t just benefit recess, it could also be used for outdoor PE classes, adding more variety and healthier activity during the school day. For some children, this might even be the only real opportunity for regular fitness activity, due to different personal or family factors outside of school.

Thank you for sharing and signing; the more of us who speak up, the more our kids will be heard. 🙌