Universally Accessible Playground
The McGlynn Elementary School's universally accessible playground provides countless types of play opportunities for children of all abilities. The park consists of separate preschool and elementary play areas for students in Pre-K to Grade 5. It features an inclusive, non-transfer wheelchair swing and spinner; a fully accessible and curriculum-aligned outdoor classroom; a multi-use field; musical instruments; and a stage area among other playground equipment.
The play equipment was selected based on student feedback and to ensure age-appropriate challenges throughout a student’s time at the school. A tree favored by the students was preserved and given special placement, and 66 new native trees were added to provide increasing shade over time. Teacher expertise proved invaluable for placement of features, supervision strategies, and planning for safety while providing for challenge. Some particularly thoughtful details include high-contrast designs on the rubber surface to alert students with visual impairments that they are entering a motion zone or approaching an elevation change, the playground being elevated 12” higher and with a full drainage system to prevent flooding, and even the inclusion of boulders repurposed from Carr Park Phase I.
The playground is dedicated to Emelly DeOliveira, who sadly passed away in 2013. Emelly was a Medford student with disabilities. The dedication plaque, currently in production at the Medford Technical HS, will read, "This playground is dedicated to the memory of Emelly DeOliveira. She loved music, dancing to different rhythms, and shaking her hand instruments. Emelly loved pink and beads of all kinds and colors, and she would have loved to play at this inclusive playground with all the other children of Medford. 12/16/98 - 12/6/13"
Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The ceremony was held on October 8th, 2024. Take a look at some of the scenes from the amazing day!
Click on an image to display the slideshow.