Let's Build Inclusive Playground at
Shelton Elementary School
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OUR STORY Shelton Elementary School is a neighborhood public school in the Heritage Dells community of southern Golden. The Shelton Elementary PTSA works closely with administrators, teachers, families, students, and the broader community to support the school’s mission: To equip and inspire students to be active and engaged citizens in a diverse and changing world. Shelton serves around 400 students from Pre-K through 5th grade, representing a range of socioeconomic backgrounds from nearby neighborhoods. The Shelton Elementary Playground Improvement Project is raising funds to create a fully accessible playground where all members of the Golden community—regardless of ability—can play, learn, and thrive. This upgraded space will foster outdoor learning, creativity, inclusivity, health, and wellness. We are designing an inclusive playground with accessible surfaces and equipment to support all students, including those with mobility challenges and sensory differences. Currently, no such playground exists in our community. Shelton is the ideal location for this project for two key reasons:
By investing in this project, we are creating a welcoming space where every child can play, grow, and belong. This project is made possible by significant investments from our community: Adam Bearup Memorial Fund - $2,275 Golden Civic Foundation - $10,000 Jefferson County Public Schools - $12,500 City of Golden Thriving Communities Capital Grant - $65,000 Kyle Clark's Next Word of Thanks micro giving campaign - $71,000+ THANK YOU! |
THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL BUSINESS DONORS!
PROJECT STATUS
We will celebrate Shelton Elementary's 30th anniversary by breaking ground on a new 'big kid' playground in the summer of 2025! We have already raised nearly $150,000 toward the playground improvement project thanks to the generosity of our community. With the support of 9 News and Kyle Clark's Word of Thanks Campaign, we are able to enhance our playground design to improve accessibility and build our PlayCore National Demonstration Site that will inspire play, fitness and positively impact our community! Our builder (Altitude Recreation) has offered a matching discount on all play equipment that is purchased so any money spent on equipment will be matched! Our "Community Build Days" have been postponed to June 12th & 13th. Sign up here. If you would like to get more information on the Community Build Days email [email protected]. |
STUDENT LED DESIGN AND FUNDRAISING
Shelton Elementary has a strong (and growing) Problem Based Learning (PBL) program, where students learn grade-level curriculum by engaging with real world problems rather than receiving passive information. These PBL projects are a successful teaching tool because the students are invested in the outcome of their efforts. The students in Shelton’s third grade classes have identified the problem of needing an inclusive playground that engages and benefits all students, and used it as the theme of their PBL project this year. Students started by researching inclusive playgrounds and features that meet the needs of students in our school. The third grade students then came up with interview questions for the school staff and all classes about what our playground would need to allow play for all. They also interviewed experts on inclusive playgrounds. Once their research was complete, they used the information to write persuasive letters to local community businesses asking for financial support to bring an inclusive playground to Shelton Elementary School.
Read more about the third grade letter writing campaign in the Golden Transcript.
If you own a business and would like to help fundraise, please consider putting this flyer, created by the third grade class, in the window of your business.
Shelton Elementary has a strong (and growing) Problem Based Learning (PBL) program, where students learn grade-level curriculum by engaging with real world problems rather than receiving passive information. These PBL projects are a successful teaching tool because the students are invested in the outcome of their efforts. The students in Shelton’s third grade classes have identified the problem of needing an inclusive playground that engages and benefits all students, and used it as the theme of their PBL project this year. Students started by researching inclusive playgrounds and features that meet the needs of students in our school. The third grade students then came up with interview questions for the school staff and all classes about what our playground would need to allow play for all. They also interviewed experts on inclusive playgrounds. Once their research was complete, they used the information to write persuasive letters to local community businesses asking for financial support to bring an inclusive playground to Shelton Elementary School.
Read more about the third grade letter writing campaign in the Golden Transcript.
If you own a business and would like to help fundraise, please consider putting this flyer, created by the third grade class, in the window of your business.
Final mockup of main structure.
Main structure with other inclusive standalone features. Six belt swings and two accessible swings will also be constructed on the site.
WHY INCLUSIVE?
What is an Inclusive Playground?
An inclusive playground is designed for everyone, providing opportunities for active, independent play for children and caregivers of all abilities. This can include accessible surfaces and play implements that are designed for shared use among individuals with a variety of mobility abilities, musical implements and sensory panels that engage different sensory interests, and communication boards for nonverbal users.
Why is an Inclusive Playground Important?
Play is essential for childhood development and beyond. It helps children build physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive, and communication skills. Through play, children gain confidence, learn to navigate challenges, and develop a sense of independence.
Inclusive playgrounds benefit not only individuals with disabilities but also the entire community. They foster awareness and appreciation of diversity while creating opportunities for people of all abilities to interact, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections.
What is an Inclusive Playground?
An inclusive playground is designed for everyone, providing opportunities for active, independent play for children and caregivers of all abilities. This can include accessible surfaces and play implements that are designed for shared use among individuals with a variety of mobility abilities, musical implements and sensory panels that engage different sensory interests, and communication boards for nonverbal users.
Why is an Inclusive Playground Important?
Play is essential for childhood development and beyond. It helps children build physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive, and communication skills. Through play, children gain confidence, learn to navigate challenges, and develop a sense of independence.
Inclusive playgrounds benefit not only individuals with disabilities but also the entire community. They foster awareness and appreciation of diversity while creating opportunities for people of all abilities to interact, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections.
Existing play structures at Shelton Elementary School.
Our current playground is not accessible to wheelchair users or individuals with limited fine motor skills. The equipment sits on a gravel surface, which causes wheelchairs to get stuck, limiting access for many students and community members.
To address this, we plan to replace the playground surface with an accessible material that allows wheelchairs and strollers to move freely. Additionally, we will remove and recycle outdated or unsafe equipment, replacing it with inclusive playground structures selected based on direct feedback from the community and students.
