Kayse Thompson looks forward to watching her daughter Elliot, 3, play on the future Highland Elementary School Inclusive Playground in Crookston.
Elliot is a wheelchair user and crawler.
“Most of the playgrounds in Crookston, especially those with wood chips and tall steps, can be difficult for her to play in,” Thompson shared. “She will be at Highland in two years, and the new playground will be instrumental in her ability to play and socialize with her peers. It will also be nice for us to have a playground in Crookston that she can enjoy as she gets older.”
Currently, the nearest inclusive playgrounds are in the Fargo/Moorhead areas.
All are Welcome
“So All Can Play” is the theme of the inclusive playground project. Highland Principal Chris Trostad says construction on the 6,114 square foot playground is scheduled to begin in October. 
An inclusive playground is an open, safe space carefully designed to promote play among individuals of differing abilities, ages, and communities. It gives people with and without disability the same platform to play while breaking down barriers, both physically and socially. Children, adults, and families are encouraged to experience the benefits of playing together.
The inclusive design features not only create more play opportunities for all children, but also allow parents, guardians, and caregivers that use mobility equipment better accessibility to interact and play with their children throughout the playground.
The following are just a few of the features of the inclusive playground designed for Highland
- Rubberized footing, allowing wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers better access and improving fall height safety
- Wheelchair-accessible ramps throughout the play structure
- Stainless steel slides to avoid interference with cochlear implant function
- Deep seated swings and seesaw to support individuals with balance difficulties
- Widened ramps to better assist children and ensure their safety during play
- Musical equipment to promote creative play
- Multiple activity panels to promote sensory integration and play
- Structures and spaces that promote balance, coordination, and social skills as well as cognitive and emotional development on all levels
The Importance of Play
The project aims to create opportunity and equality through one of the most important means of development, play!
“An inclusive playground will have so many positive benefits for young children and families in our community,” said Gina Gunderson, Early Childhood coordinator at Crookston Public Schools. “It equips all children with the ability to play together and independently while developing both physically and socially.
“Active play is critical for healthy development and wellbeing of children and I am so excited our district and community is investing in our children. Our community is filled with many wonderful playgrounds for families to gather and children to be active and this will be an exciting addition.”
High Need
Nearly one-third of students within the Crookston School District receive individualized education programming. Crookston special education professionals have recognized students at different developmental levels who require modifications to the typical school environment, including the playground, to succeed.
The following school officials, pediatric specialists, and community members are on the Highland Inclusive Playground Committee driving the project
- Chris Trostad, principal, Highland Elementary School
- Randal Bergquist, superintendent, Crookston Public Schools
- Caitlyn Michno, director of Rehab Services, RiverView Health
- Gina Gunderson, coordinator, Crookston Early Childhood
- Gary Stegman, retired art teacher, Crookston High School
- Courtney Olson, Highland parent, marketing specialist, University of North Dakota
- Tina Mason, Crookston Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
- Lorri Capistran, Crookston PTO
- Maddie Engelstad, pediatric occupational therapist, RiverView Health
- Chris Fee, president/general manager, KROX Radio
Fundraising for the project will begin soon through the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF), with a goal of $400,000. The Highland Inclusive Playground is a fund within the NMF’s family of funds. NMF is a public, charitable foundation serving two tribal nations and 12 counties in Northwest Minnesota. Sponsorship levels and opportunities to purchase specific playground items will be available.
For more information on the project, contact Trostad at 281.5600, visit the Highland Inclusive Playground Facebook page at www.facebook.com/highlandinclusiveplayground, or the Northwest Minnesota Foundation at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/heip-c.
