Mission Statement:
The JRPS EcoPlayground Committee is committed to develop the playground into a safe, sustainable, educational resource that is accessible to all students and utilized by staff in their teaching practices. It strives to engage and unite students and promotes community partnerships. Why do we need a Universally Accessible EcoPlayground?
- Social isolation of children with special
needs.
- Limited access to sun safe areas in the schoolyard for children with mobility challenges.
- Steep grades and uneven surfaces characterize asphalt areas and are a challenge for people in wheelchairs.
- Play structure equipment is dated and not accessible to children with mobility, low vision, and/or sensory issues.
- The schoolyard presents limited opportunities for social, emotional, and physical growth & development for all students.
- Existing shade trees are declining and must be replaced. Wheelchair Accessible Sensory Garden
- Completed June 2011
- Funded by Markham Environmental Sustainable Fund
Chain Link Fence Mural Art
- Completed April 2012 as an Earth day project and painted by all students
- Funded by School Council, Benjamin Paints, Home Depot
Accessible Outdoor Classroom
- Completed Summer 2013
- Funded by TD Friends of the Environment, Hawkins Construction, Kawartha Rock Quarry, Lee Sand & Gravel, Unilock
Accessible Wooden Stage
- Completed May 2013
- Funded by School Council, Hawkins Construction, Artists in Residence Program, Engineers in the Classroom Program
Accessible Paved Learning Trail
- Completed first 200m of learning trail June 2013
- Ongoing native shrub plantings
- Ongoing shade tree rescues and plantings
- Ongoing shaded stone sitting areas
- Funded by Gallo Bros, TD FEF, School Council, Kawartha Rock Quarry, Lee Sand & Gravel, Uxbridge & Sheridan Nurseries, VIVA the Next Stage.
3 Raised Curriculum Based Food Gardens
- Completed May 2013
- Funded by School Council, Seeds for Change, Home Depot, Whole Kids Food Foundation
RIMES Summer Camp (Reverse Integration Multi-Exceptional Summer Camp)
- Summer camp for children with multiple exceptionalities that integrates mainstream campers into their classroom.
- Held in month of July for 3 weeks
- Run in conjunction with Markham Parks and Recreation
What are we planning to do next?
- Universal Play Structures
- Loose Parts Play Area
- Community Food Gardens
- Fitness Trail Elements
- Interactive Signage
