Our school community is home to many wonderful children who face distinct challenges every day. Among them are children with developmental and physical challenges, such as autism spectrum disorder, mobility difficulties, and sensory sensitivities. For these children, navigating a traditional playground is not just difficult—it can be fraught with safety concerns.

Currently, our playground's uneven surfaces present obstacles that make walking difficult and potentially unsafe for children with mobility issues. Moreover, the lack of secure boundaries creates a high-risk environment for children who might elope or who lack an understanding of personal danger. It is our belief that no child should miss out on play due to a playground’s design.

By creating an inclusive playground, we can ensure that all children, regardless of ability, have a safe and welcoming environment to play, explore, and grow. Inclusive playgrounds are designed with accessible equipment, stable surfaces, and secure environments that cater to the unique needs of every child. This type of environment fosters peer interaction, contributes to physical and emotional development, and cultivates a sense of belonging in our diverse school community.

To make this vision a reality, we urge the school administration and district leadership to prioritize funding, planning, and implementation of this inclusive playground project. Together, we can create a space that reflects the values of compassion, safety, and inclusion that define our school community. Establishing an inclusive playground not only supports our students academically but also enriches the entire community.

We urge the school board, local authorities, and compassionate members of our network to consider the profound positive effects this project can have. Your support can pave the way for significant change in the lives of our students with special needs. Please join us in this important mission by signing this petition for an inclusive playground at our elementary school. Every signature brings us one step closer to a place where every child can play safely and joyfully.

Petition Organizer

Wendy Poole

wendy.poole@fwisd.org

817-815-9000

ECSE Teacher at The Leadership Academy @ Mitchell Blvd.