Project Press Release: Aberdeen School District and Pelican Playgrounds Build New Play Spaces at Aberdeen Elementary School and Belle-Shivers Middle School
The Aberdeen School District sought to enhance its play space with new equipment, shade, and sensory pieces for all students (and teachers) to enjoy. Aberdeen Elementary and Belle Shivers Middle School conducted a list of fundraisers to assist with the funding of the project. Pelican Playgrounds, a gulf south team. was selected to make their dream playground come true.
Each school guided the Pelican Playgrounds team to design the needed upgrade for their outdoor spaces. Kristen Fondren, the principal of Aberdeen Elementary School, and her team wished to create a Playworld play structure and swing set that all students would enjoy. Of course, it adds a big shade hat integrated into the playground structure to keep kids cool and protected from the sun during recess. Pelican Playgrounds brought some unique equipment to the playground: outdoor instruments! The Concerto and Percussion Play items are a great sensory addition, which provide ways for students to engage in collaborative play with their friends and classmates. Dr. Smith, the superintendent of the Aberdeen School District, stated school playground equipment plays a vital role in the development of students' cognitive, social, and physical skills. It helps students release energy and take mental breaks during the instructional day. When students enjoy beautiful playground equipment and release energy, they can focus better in the classroom setting. According to research, students who engage in physical play daily have fewer discipline referrals and perform better on standardized tests.
Belle-Shivers Middle School requested more challenging equipment to help kids stay active. By designing climbers at different heights and configurations along with dynamic rope play, their goals were accomplished. Lauren Knight, Pelican Playgrounds owner and former secondary special education teacher, added: "By providing playground equipment that's more mentally and physically challenging, you can offer a recreational area that encourages middle school students to stay active, socialize with their peers, and contend with challenging physical obstacles and be active during the times they spend outside." With opportunities for vigorous activity in the play area, the team supporting the design wanted to create a holistic space and provide shade and seating for breaks.
