New Adaptive Equipment Provides Space for School’s Special Needs Population While Doubling as a Public Park After Hours
WHAT: Ribbon cutting for the new adaptive playground at Alpharetta Elementary School, developed in partnership with the City of Alpharetta, the Fulton County Board of Education, Resurgens Foundation, North Metro Miracle League and Northside Hospital.
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- WHEN: Friday, September 25, 2020, 3:30 PM
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- WHERE: Alpharetta Elementary School Playground, 92 Mayfield Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30009
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- WHO: City of Alpharetta Mayor, City Councilmembers, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services Team, Alpharetta Elementary School faculty, students & families and community partners will be present onsite.
It is common for city governments to work with their local schools to engage children in recreation programs and afterschool enrichment. It is less common for a city to partner with an elementary school to overhaul their playground as a partnership that will benefit both the children at the school as well as the community at large. This is exactly what is happening between Alpharetta Elementary School and the City of Alpharetta.
Alpharetta Elementary is unique in that students with mental and physical disabilities make up approximately 24% of the student population. In the past, this population of students has had an outdoor area that wasn’t able to meet their physical needs and was in great need of repair. After having some discussions with a teacher at the school and a local non-profit organization, North Metro Miracle League’s Executive Director, Morgan Rodgers had an idea that would result in a beautiful collaborative effort! “The partnership between the City, the Fulton County Board of Education, Resurgens Foundation, North Metro Miracle League and Northside Hospital is a model in how corporations, non-profits and local government can work together to improve the lives of everyone in the community”, said Morgan Rodgers, City of Alpharetta Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services Director.
The City of Alpharetta’s parks team has been hard at work creating a new accessible playground complete with a wheelchair adaptive swing, upgraded trail surface complete with sensory environments and improved landscaping which provides a safer and inclusive experience. “This park is a perfect setting to bring young children together, and whatever challenges or differences may exist, will rapidly fade away in the fun, the games and new friendships. This new playground takes accessibility to an entirely new level and it is a great addition to Alpharetta’s commitment to the entire community”, described John P McLaughlin, North Metro Miracle League Executive Director.
Together, the school and the city have entered into a 10-year agreement that will allow the playground to be used by the community when the school is not in operation. Alpharetta Elementary School’s playground is open to the public starting at 4:00 PM on school days and through the weekend for the community to use as a public park space with full access to the park’s amenities. “We ask the community to be respectful of the shared space and the park’s hours so students with varying abilities will have this play space to enjoy for years to come”, said Kathleen Stamper, Alpharetta Elementary School Principal. ““It has been a dream to be able to partner with the City of Alpharetta to provide a beautiful park for our students, families, and community to enjoy. I have loved seeing everyone get great use out of the courts, the track, and the playground!”