(CLAIR) – The Simi Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) has approved an agreement with HMC Architects to design and engineer two new inclusive playgrounds, one at Garden Grove Elementary School and the other at Sycamore Elementary.
HMC Architects is a 400-person, California-based architectural firm with offices in Nevada and Arizona.
Universally accessible playgrounds are inclusive facilities that break down barriers, raise awareness, and build friendships through parallel play. These types of playgrounds may include features such as sensory garden areas and rubberized surfacing to make it ADA accessible. The goal of the playgrounds is to create easily accessible play areas for children with disabilities.
The contract for the playground at Garden Grove is $24,344 and includes removing existing playground hardware, installing new, more inclusive equipment, and constructing a path that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The inclusive playgrounds are being funded with Measure X bond money. Measure X was a bond measure passed to fund projects such as the renovation of classrooms and school facilities, as well as construction of new schools and classrooms.
These playgrounds will be accessible to all children, featuring equipment that is easier for children with disabilities to use.
The playground at Sycamore Elementary was chosen as it serves more students with disabilities and already provides special classes for kids with developmental disabilities.
The Simi Board trustee Bob LaBelle has suggested Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District look into making the playgrounds accessible to children outside of school hours.
The playgrounds are expected to be completed by the end of the year, providing children with disabilities in the Simi Valley Unified School District access to safe and inclusive play areas.
