Local school raising money to build accessible playground

Описание: BRIDGETOWN, Ohio (Perry Schaible) -- The Oak Hills Local School District needs help creating an inclusive environment for the students in one of its elementary schools. Parents and community members at Oakdale are raising money for the "Scottie Yard" playground. Oakdale elementary is one of five elementary schools in the Oak Hills School District. What sets it apart is the students. All elementary students in the district with physical disabilities attend Oakdale because it is accessible and built all on one floor -- except for one important place, the playground. Ask most children their favorite subject in school.and there's one common answer, recess.Not all kids at Oakdale Elementary can enjoy it the same way. The playground is not completely accessible for the students with physical disabilities. Oakdale teacher Michelle Boeshart said, "The kids that need the adaptive equipment typically are on the side of the playground just kind of watching their peers play because that's all that they have available to them right now." The students want to play with their friends inside and outside."I want all the kids, even the kids who are in wheelchairs too," said third-grader Johnny Sexton. "I want to play with them because I think they're nice."The current playground is past its prime. There is only one wheelchair compatible swing for the nine students who use the chairs for accessibility. And, the mulch and grass make it difficult for students with walkers and braces. Now, there's a campaign to make a change. The goal is to raise about 4,000 for a total of 65,000 to build a new playground and to create a space where children with all types of needs can play together in a safe environment. "They're very used to inside the classroom being very inclusive, but outside they notice they can't play with my child and other children like my daughter like they can inside," said parent Catie Singer.Plans for the new playground, called the "Scottie Yard," include rubber flooring, ramp entrances, and a variety of accessible slides and climbing structures. "These students at Oakdale recognize their fellow students and they want them with them and they do everything they can and that's why we're doing everything we can to help them with this playground," said Ohio Alumni Educational Foundation. Teachers at Oakdale say social interaction is key for students with disabilities. And right now, they don't have the environment outside the classroom to work on friendships with their peers. The plan is to have the new space open by the end of next summer. The playground will be open to the entire community after school hours. Click here for more information on how to donate.Follow Perry Schaible on Twitter @Local12Perry and LIKE her on Facebook.