2013-KC COOMBS MIDDLE SCHOOL COUCIL

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Kiwani s Playground Presentation at Percy's on Thursday, September 12`h SECTION ONE Kenneth C. Coombs School Integrated Preschool serves up to 75 children ages 3 to 5; half of which have severe to moderate special needs and benefit from working with physical, occupational and speech therapists throughout the day. SLOW—READ WHEN THE SECOND PIECE OF MUSIC STARTS Presently, this area functions as the children's outdoor play space. The surface is primarily blacktop and the plastic play structures are housed on the thin strip of grass to reduce child injury.Teachers accompany children outside to paint with water, ride bikes and engage in social play. With the knowledge that students learn through play, it is essential that every aspect of their day provides opportunities for optimal physical, social and intellectual growth. BLUEPRINT With this goal in mind,teachers and parents collaborated with Meg O'Brien of Landscape Structures to design an inclusive therapeutic playground for Kenneth C.Coombs children and the Mashpee community. This playground will address the needs of all children including kids with physical,cognitive and sensory disabilities as well as children that are typically developing. OVERALL DESIGN The design of this playground provides freedom of movement and full participation for all students. Landscape Structures refers to this as a"higher level of inclusive play". These structures provide an ever expanding variety of play events that address accessibility, age and developmental appropriateness and sensory stimulating activities. SENSORY TABLE For example,the Sensory Table can be filled with a variety of materials to provide tactile experiences for children to explore. The talking tube provides opportunities for children to hear a variety of sounds to enhance their play and build their auditory skills. The Slide allows children to use their muscles in different combinations and to improve muscle coordination. SHADED PLAY STRUCTURE The Bike Track surrounding the playground encourages children to follow the continual path further developing gross motor skills and balance while the custom-designed gas station promotes and enhances student imagination and social engagement. LAST PICTURE Each playground structure was carefully chosen by preschool teachers and therapists to promote vital skills. The Omni Spinner provides valuable vestibular sensory stimulation which helps children maintain proper body structure and balance. It is easy to enter from a wheelchair or walker and provides back support and side walls to keep children safe. The Roller Table provides kids with sensations they wouldn't normally receive including much needed deep muscle pressure. The Accessible Spring Platform helps coordinate movements that use big muscles and encourages balance. Wee Planet Climber provides opportunities to climb up and on and makes muscles work while encouraging social interactions.