Nine Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) elementary schools received significant playground enhancements thanks to a collaborative project between the GCPS Office of Community Schools (OCS), the Georgia After School Program (GASP), and the GCPS Grounds Maintenance Team. The project, funded by a nearly $450,000 Safety and Security Grant from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), involved installing poured-in-place (PIP) rubber surfacing to improve playground safety and inclusivity at Arcado, Berkeley Lake, Chattahoochee, Chesney, Harbins, Jackson, Simpson, Starling, and Sugar Hill elementary schools.

     The safety upgrades, completed over the summer in time for the 2024-25 school year, ensure that students participating in GASP’s licensed after-school care programs can fully utilize the playgrounds. The installation of PIP surfaces provides cushioning to reduce the likelihood of injury from falls and ensures the playgrounds are wheelchair accessible, allowing students of all abilities to enjoy these outdoor spaces.

     Director of Community Schools Soraia Santos-Felgenhauer commends the improvements. “Our students and families at each and every school are seeing the positive impact of this grant. GCPS values this partnership and recognizes this support for enhancing our learning communities as safe and welcoming spaces.”

     The GCPS Grounds Maintenance Team played a pivotal role in the project, ensuring that the playgrounds were properly leveled and ready for the new surfacing. Their efforts were instrumental in meeting safety standards and licensing requirements, underscoring their commitment to providing safe and inclusive play spaces for students.

     “We deeply appreciate the trust and support from DECAL in funding this important initiative and extend our heartfelt thanks to GCPS and Better Beans Branding for their outstanding collaboration and commitment to improving the lives of our children. Together, we are making a lasting impact on our community,” says Sharon Foster and Debbie Peters, co-founders of GASP.

     These upgrades are part of a broader initiative to create safe and engaging play spaces for all GCPS students, making a lasting impact on the community.

     For more information on the Georgia After School Program and the licensed after-school care programs offered by GCPS, visit gasp-ga.com, contact the Office of Community Schools at 678-301-7938, or visit its  website: After School Programs - Gwinnett County Public Schools (gcpsk12.org).