Lester Elementary School Unveils New Inclusive Playgrounds

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — After donations from lemonade stands, bake sales and donors, Lester Elementary School unveiled its new $425,000 inclusive playgrounds Monday.

Lester Community Playground President Patty Esslinger said in a news release, "Our goal was to build something bigger than ‘just a playground.' We wanted to create a space where all children and families would be included; a place where kids can learn and show kindness to others.”

The new Lester east side playground has 31 "play events" for kids and features ramped access, along with a large communication board with different symbols. The playground is also equipped with a synthetic turf that has antimicrobial additives, according to District 58 officials.

Lester's new west side playground is equipped with 33 play events that feature an inclusive spinner and two inclusive swing seats. The west side playground also has a communication board, which district officials say is a useful tool for children who use augmented and alternative communication.