Grand Rapids Public Schools will celebrate the opening of four fully accessible playgrounds with a ribbon-cutting celebration on the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 24. The new playgrounds mark a significant step forward in the district’s ongoing efforts to create inclusive spaces where all scholars can play, move, and learn together.

New playgrounds were installed this summer at César E. Chávez Elementary School, Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, Kent Hills Elementary School, and Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy.

Designed to be fully accessible, the playgrounds allow scholars of all abilities to safely participate in outdoor play and physical activity together. Features include inclusive play equipment, accessible surfaces, and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage movement, interaction, and collaboration. Scholar and staff input at each school inspired the final playground designs.

The playgrounds at Chávez Elementary, Kent Hills Elementary, and Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy were funded through the Reimagine GRPS with Us! bond approved by voters in 2023.

The playground at Ford Academic Center was made possible through community donations raised through a campaign led by the GRPS Foundation, along with supplemental funding from the Reimagine GRPS with Us! bond. Community volunteers also played a hands-on role in bringing the project to life, building the playground at Ford over three days in July.

RIBBON CUTTING

WHEN:
Monday, August 24, 10 a.m.

WHERE:
Gerald R. Ford Academic Center – 851 Madison Ave. S

WHO:
Denishea Neal, Gerald R. Ford Academic Center Principal
Dr. Leadriane Roby, GRPS Superintendent
Amber Kilpatrick, Board of Education Secretary
Misti Stanton, GRPS Foundation Board President
Stephanie Andrews, GRPS Foundation President & CEO
Ford Academic Center Scholars