'This playground represents what we strive for — inclusion, safety, and fun'

Oct. 29, 2025 / Stearns Elementary School students now have a safe, inclusive place to play thanks to a new adaptive playground designed for kindergarten and special education programs.

The new playground, located in an outdoor courtyard area between the wings of the school, provides a secure and developmentally appropriate play space for young learners and students with mobility and sensory needs.

The project began last spring after Stearns staff identified the need for a safer, more accessible playground. The existing Stearns playground spans seven acres and, while large and fenced, posed supervision and accessibility challenges for some students.

“We wanted a space that was both safe and inclusive,” said Leighanna Rickman, Klamath County School District’s principal of elementary special programs. “This new playground gives all students, regardless of their abilities, the chance to play and interact comfortably.”

Funding for the playground came through a $50,000 grant from Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services, with the Klamath County School District covering the remaining costs. The playground officially opened at the start of the 2025–26 school year.

The fenced-in play area features adaptive swings, a merry-go-round, ramp access to play structures for students with mobility needs, and a colorful sensory wall designed to engage students’ senses and encourage interaction. Students have access to balls and other play equipment as well and there is space to add additional activities. It serves Stearns’ kindergarten students and five special education classrooms, which include the Bridges, Communications, Behavior, and Transition programs.

Staff say the new space not only improves safety and accessibility, but also helps with supervision. “On the larger playground, we used to need four or five staff members to help monitor students,” Rickman explained. “Here, two staff can easily supervise 15 to 20 students. It’s made a big difference.”

The playground is near the school’s accessible 200-meter walking track, which is also used for physical education and field day activities.

Stearns Elementary currently serves about 70 special education students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

“This playground represents what we strive for as a district — inclusion, safety, and fun,” Rickman said. “Our students love it, and it’s been wonderful to see them so engaged and happy.”