GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Public Schools students returned to class Monday to find a special surprise: four new fully accessible playgrounds across the
district.
The district is celebrating the openings with a ribbon-cutting at the Gerald R. Ford Academic Center. The three other new playground locations are:
- Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School
- Kent Hills Elementary School
- Martin Luther King Junior Leadership Academy
GRPS says the new playgrounds are part of its ongoing efforts to create inclusive spaces where students can play and learn together.
"Education is so important within the walls, but it's also important outside of the walls. And getting kids an opportunity to take a brain break, to come outside, to learn to share, to learn to play together is so important. Getting kids that fresh air and mobility is very, very important," Grand Rapids Schools Foundation President and CEO Stephanie Andrews said.
The designs were developed with students' best interests in mind, prioritizing both fun and safety.
Several of the playgrounds were made possible through the Reimagine GRPS bond approved in 2023.
"We're so excited because it's a fully accessible playground so that everyone has access, and I think that's hugely important when we talk about equity and access for kids," Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby said.
This is Roby's last year as superintendent of the district. She oversaw the district's bond proposal to fund its needs with Reimagine GRPS with Us.
"Our community believes in GRPS. They have supported us throughout the seven years that I've been here in the community. You're seeing the fruits of those efforts across our city, where we have newly reimagined buildings, beautiful playgrounds, and places where our young people can feel safe, and our staff can feel safe because we have more secure entrances. Most importantly, we have air conditioning, and so it can be comfortable in our buildings all year round.
The Gerald R. Ford Academic Center playground was funded through community donations, thanks to the GRPS Foundation.
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