Woodland Hills Elementary School’s new fairytale-themed playground has been named one of the 10 Best Inclusive School Playgrounds in America by Soliant and is the only playground in Texas to make the list.
Soliant is one of the nation’s largest healthcare and education staffing companies.
“Playgrounds located across the country were reviewed based on factors that include the utilization of inclusive playground design core principles, quantity and quality of play features offered, and any unique inspirations or stories behind the development, funding, or name of the playground,” Soliant stated in its news release. “The selected playgrounds go beyond minimum accessibility to offer play experiences for a wide variety of needs—for example, by offering braille features for students who are visually impaired and sensory-rich structures for students with developmental disabilities.”
The new playground at Woodland Hills Elementary opened in October 2022 as a part of Humble ISD’s initiative to install new immersive, imaginatively-themed playground equipment at all 30 elementary schools across the district. The middle schools and high schools are receiving new outdoor obstacle and fitness courses. The new playgrounds, obstacle and fitness courses are being installed on handicap-accessible, poured-in-place, rubber surfaces with fall protection. Outdoor equipment was a part of Bond 2022.
“It is very exciting to have Humble ISD, and the new Woodland Hills Elementary fairytale-themed playground, recognized on a national level! We are very proud to be the lone selection from the State of Texas,” Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen said. “Humble ISD is thrilled to create community assets -- places where families and friends come together for outdoor play in fresh air and sunshine. We want all children from every neighborhood across the district to have a special outdoor play experience. We also want to enhance our community and raise property values for all taxpayers who have and continue to support us so well. Together we are the reason Humble ISD is the best place for all children.”
The Woodland Hills ages 5-12 PlayBooster® castle structure features wheelchair-accessible ramps from the ground level to elevated decks. This section of the structure features a variety of play and sensory panels where everyone can interact and play together.
The dragon’s tail, swings, OmniSpin® Spinner and Global Motion® are set at transfer height which creates more equitable access to higher elements and encourages interactive play among kids and adults of all abilities.
The OmniSpin® and molded bucket seat swing both feature high-backed seats providing additional head, neck, and back support. This playground also features seamless poured-in-place surfacing which ensures smooth access to all areas of the playground.
Woodland Hills Elementary School is located at 2222 Tree Lane, Kingwood. Humble ISD elementary school playgrounds are open to the public when school is not in session.
