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Community Build Playground

Community-Build Playground 2025

A colorful graphic announcing a community-build playground at B-PC Elementary.

Bushnell-Prairie City Elementary School is embarking upon a transformative initiative: the construction of a new Community-Build Playground. Our students in grades Kindergarten through 5th include just over 300 students with a dedicated population of students with special needs, and we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and developmentally enriching environment for all of them.

Our playground is outdated and lacks basic safety and accessibility features necessary to fully serve our diverse student body. As educators and community members, we envision a vibrant, inclusive play space that welcomes every child, regardless of mobility, sensory, or cognitive differences. This means integrating equipment and surfaces fully accessible to students using wheelchairs and walkers, along with sensory-friendly play areas designed to support students with autism and other sensory needs.

To make this vision a reality, we are planning a three-phase installation plan and we need your support. The build will be completed by volunteers for what is known as a “Community Build.” We invite you to become involved with this important project for our students and community!

 

Our Vision

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PHASE 1

Includes foundational pieces of equipment and ramps essential for wheeled access to all pictured and future structures. The "Hexdeck" canopied platform and "Rock-n-Play" features are primary to this phase.

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PHASE 2

Adds additional play features and maintains accessibility throughout the expansion. Phase 2 is intended to be completed with phase 1 (as funding allows) in the first year of the project.

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PHASE 3

Completes the build with additional shade structures, sensory pieces, walls, and cozy spaces, which encourage inclusive, social play. This is a complete view of the final product of this project.

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Plans & Details

  • Ms. Michelle Rodeffer, Elementary Principal

    Ms. Renee Sims, Instructional Coach

    Ms. Brittini Chapman, 2nd Grade Teacher & Education Foundation Board

    Ms. Melonie Icenogle, 5th Grade Teacher

    Ms. Michelle Mason, Reading Interventionist

    Ms. Lisa Webb, Technology Director

     

    Send our committee a message

  • PHASE 1

    • Ground covering; $
    • Sidewalk; $
    • Play, shade & accessibility features; $
    • Misc. fees & labor; $

     

    PHASE 2

    • Ground covering; $
    • Sidewalk; $
    • Play, shade & accessibility features; $
    • Misc. fees & labor; $

     

    PHASE 3

    • Ground covering; $
    • Sidewalk; $
    • Play, shade & accessibility features; $
    • Misc. fees & labor; $

  • The Playground Committee is looking for volunteers for our Community Build. To volunteer your time, services, or resources, please message us, or call the Elementary School at 309-772-9464.

     

    These are the skills, services, and items that will be needed along the way:

    • General construction tools
      •  
    • Machinery operation
      • Skid steer
    • Surveying equipment/operator(s)
    • Food service/refreshments
    • First aid
    • Portable shade canopies
    • General volunteers (All are welcome!)

  • We are seeking grant contributions to help fund this vital project, and your partnership would have a lasting impact on our students and the greater Bushnell-Prairie City community, who will have access to this space beyond school hours. Your support will ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through play.

    To find out more about donating, please message us, or call the Elementary School at 309-772-9464.

    Donations can be brought to Farmers & Merchants State Bank; an account is set up there. Inquire about the Elementary School Playground Fund.

    View our Letter of Inquiry here

Thank You

Bushnell-Prairie City Elementary School students and staff would like to thank the following donors who have already supported our initiative:

Bushnell-Prairie City Education Foundation

Schuld Bushnell