Crichfield Elementary School Celebrates New Inclusive Playgrounds with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony 

Crichfield Elementary School officially unveiled its new inclusive playgrounds today during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of a collaborative community project designed to enhance student learning through play. 

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning,” said Principal Tearsa Schable, quoting acclaimed author Diane Ackerman as she welcomed attendees to the ceremony. The project represents a successful partnership between the Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL), Crichfield PTO, and La Porte Community School maintenance and administration teams. 

The new playgrounds were designed with inclusivity in mind, creating safe and engaging spaces where all students can participate in meaningful play experiences.

According to Schable, the playgrounds serve multiple educational purposes beyond recreation. 

“Our playgrounds stimulate brain development, enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and foster creativity and imagination, while also being a powerful tool for managing stress and overall health,” Schable explained during the ceremony. 

The project features two separate playground areas – one for younger students and another, designed for older students, located on the opposite side of the building. During today’s celebration, current students demonstrated their favorite playground features for attendees. 

Schable emphasized the broader impact of the project on the school community: “Our students, teachers, and families are so happy to see our kids actively engaging in play that significantly contributes to physical, social, and emotional well-being.” 

The principal expressed deep gratitude for the funding and collaborative effort that made the project possible, calling it a “dream [turned into] reality” for the school community.