PHOTO SOURCE: Sara Egan

The Idaho Playground Project is a nonprofit organization founded in the fall of 2023, when a young kindergartner noticed her friend was unable to play on the playground at Sawtooth Elementary due to her being wheelchair-bound from cerebral palsy. 

“The Idaho Playground Project was born out of a simple but powerful moment—a kindergartner noticed that her friend couldn’t access the playground at Sawtooth Elementary. That spark of compassion highlighted the importance of allowing all kids to play together. From there, the idea grew into a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating playgrounds where children of all abilities can play together,” exclaimed Director of the Idaho Playground Project, Kim Leornard. 

The most challenging aspect, however, of constructing these playgrounds is their cost. The latest project, completed on October 16th at Harrison Elementary in Twin Falls, had expenses of $470,000, for which donations are still being accepted. 

“It took a lot of community support to get it; Harrison, as far as the school goes, we did fundraising for it, but the Idaho Playground Project was an absolute magician to get all the funding for it,” Harrison Elementary vice principal, Amy Kenyon said. “My favorite part about these playgrounds is definitely allowing students with mobility issues to be able to play with their friends.” 

As stated in the Idaho Playground Project Ambassador Training pamphlet, inclusive play equipment includes high-back and wheelchair-accessible swings, gentle-slope slides with transfer platforms, ground-level or ramp-accessible options for students using wheelchairs, and low-level, adaptive climbing structures for children with varying abilities. Additionally, for children using mobility devices, playground surfaces are adapted by using either poured-in-place rubber or artificial turf. Ramps, sensory play elements, shaded areas, and signage, including wayfinding signs with braille and pictograms, are added to help children and caregivers navigate the playground. 

“I was really looking forward to the fact that JJ can play with his friends and not be left out,” parent at Harrison Elementary, Tiffany Comer, said. “He hasn’t had a playground he could play on independently until now.” 

This organization is more than just building accessible playgrounds; the Idaho Playground Project is also dedicated to helping the broader audience understand the importance of an inclusive environment for people with diverse needs, far beyond just playground accessibility.

“Along the way, we’re also focusing on education and advocacy—helping communities understand why accessibility matters and giving them tools to make it happen,” Leonard said. “Beyond playgrounds, we’re expanding into community programming such as adaptive sports, recreation opportunities, and monthly activities for families, so the impact of play and connection continues well beyond the playground.” 

For high school students who want to contribute to this organization, a Junior Ambassador program has been established, focusing on leadership, advocacy, and community service. Students will play a crucial role in advocating for accessible and inclusive play for children of all abilities, as outlined in the Junior Ambassador guidelines and criteria, run by the Idaho Playground Project.