Playground Without Limits

As our community continues to grow and change, the playground at Riverside is no longer able to accommodate all of the needs of our school and community.

It has been determined that there is a critical need to replace parts of the playground and expand our playground with one that can allow space for all abilities to build strong social, mental, and physical development skills together.

What's included:

• Accessible age appropriate equipment
• Adaptive swings and slides
• Large universally ADA accessible play structure
• Sensory-friendly equipment
• Quiet zones for calming breaks
• Adaptable zip line

“Our goal is to build a new, safe, inclusive playground where everyone can belong. A place for all students at Riverside that sparks imagination, physical exercise and social development.” -Jill Bjorge, Principal

The playground designed has been broken up into three phases. 

Riverside’s Playground Without Limits FAQ 

1. What is an accessible playground?

An accessible playground is one where everyone can get to and through the playground. Accessibility is about travel, movement, and approach or entry. So a playground that is accessible is one that is easy for a person who uses a mobility device to maneuver to and around. The things I would expect to see in an accessible playground are:

• no barriers at the entrance or along pathways

• ramps that lead up to upper decks

• monkey bars lowered so that they are reachable

• swing seats that have backs and arms to make them usable for people who need support

An inclusive playground is one that has an aim to make it not only accessible, but to encourage and enable children to engage with one another. Ramps and accessible swing seats in and of themselves do not lead to engagement. I believe that in order to be inclusive, a playground obviously needs to be accessible, but that an accessible playground is not always inclusive.

1. How come all playgrounds are not universally accessible?  

Not all playgrounds are universally accessible due to factors including outdated designs, lack of awareness among planners, and sometimes, a focus on specific types of play or age groups, leaving out children with disabilities or those with different needs. 

1. Why does Riverside PTO want to build a universally accessible playground?

Riverside is a place to belong, which means that EVERY student in our building and every person who visits our playground should have equal access to all spaces. Currently our playground meets the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines for playground equipment, but we know that our students need more!  

1. How much is it going to cost?

$1,200,000 total 

We have broken the project up into 3 phases. The dream would be to build all three phases at once! However, we broke our project into 3 phases so we can build as we make certain goals.

1. How are we planning to raise funds?

Writing grants that align with our vision. 

Community awareness events

Partner with construction companies to help lessen the over costs. 

1. How long will it take to raise funds?

Phase 1 was completed Summer 2025

We will have the school year to raise funds to create a plan for phase 2 & 3

1. How does this support all students?

• Social Interaction: Inclusive playgrounds foster social interaction and understanding between children of all abilities. 

• Learning Through Play: Playgrounds provide opportunities for children to learn through play, develop social-emotional skills, and build confidence. 

• Physical Activity: Playgrounds encourage physical activity and promote healthy lifestyles. 

• Breaking Down Barriers: Accessible playgrounds help break down social barriers and create a more inclusive environment for everyone. 

• Developmental Needs: Universally designed playgrounds provide for the developmental needs of the whole child (every child) – physical, cognitive, communicative, social/emotional, and sensory. 

1. What happens if you do not meet your goal?

We keep trying. This is a parent led project, and we are starting local and hoping to find business and community members that share our dream for a Playground Without Limits.

1. Will this playground be open to the public?

YES! This is a community playground. All community members will be able to access the park during non-school hours. 

1. What happens if we raise more than our goal?

We will start an endowment account through the Brainerd Public School Foundation so that we can keep up with the playground maintenance so that future students and community members can enjoy our park. We would also look into increasing the percentage of the playground surface that is pour-in-play to create more accessible space.

On behalf of the students, parents, and staff of Riverside Elementary, thank you for your consideration. Together we can turn dreams into a reality - one heartfelt donation at a time! https://riverside.isd181.org/235923_2