North Bend Elementary is inviting families to celebrate its new ski-lodge themed playground. Members of the public are invited to a brief dedication ceremony at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3. There will be performances by a group of violin players, trumpet players and the NBE choir. Comments will be made by Principal Christina Morris.
New or additional playground equipment, with themes focused on imaginative play and learning, is being installed at every elementary school on handicap-accessible, poured-in-place rubber surfaces instead of mulch, over the next five years. Elementary playgrounds at Humble ISD schools are open to the public when school is not in session.
North Bend Elementary School won’t have to depend on snowfall to send students out for fun on the slopes! This ski-lodge themed playspace features custom-designed playground equipment and rubber pour-in-place (PIP) surfacing intended for children ages 5-12.
Play at North Bend Elementary is made accessible to children of all abilities with the poured rubber surfacing and universal play opportunities, like a communication board and inclusive swing seat. Chairlifts, ski routes, snow angels, a figure skater and more wintry designs can be found throughout the accessible surfacing.
A COROCORDTM Octa Net and two Ski-Cabins tower over the playground, summiting a height of almost 20 feet. Students will traverse an enclosed rope bridge to reach a nearly 18-foot tall slide. A Double Zipline mimics a ski lift by sending kids on a thrilling ride through the air. An “ice rink” sits center stage with climbing equipment and hangout spots for socializing. A Zamboni play structure offers various tactile play options, as well as pour-in-place “snowballs” for children to climb and jump on.
Various springing and spinning equipment are scattered throughout the playground, like a seesaw featuring factually accurate Arctic animals, a “snow tube” Supernova carousel and “snowboard” Starsurfer rocker. A “Photo op” play panel gives students an interactive, memory-capturing keepsake of their time on the slopes.
The playground at North Bend Elementary was designed and installed by KOMPAN Inc. Americas.
North Bend Elementary is the third Humble ISD campus to debut an updated playground in the 2023-2024 school year. In December, Jack Fields Elementary opened its Space-themed playground, and Oaks Elementary opened its National Parks-themed playground in October. It is the seventh new playground in the school district since the revitalization of the campus playgrounds began. Last school year, River Pines (Rainforest-themed); Elm Grove (Treehouse-themed); Park Lakes (Safari-themed) and Woodland Hill (Fairytale-themed) were all unveiled.