Efforts underway at Clarence Lobo Elementary to create playground for all

Play and recess should be available to every child. Often the best part of the day in elementary school is recess, when children are released to the abandon, delight, and life lessons of playtime.

Sadly, too often certain children, whether due to cognitive, physical disabilities, social anxieties, or other reasons, are excluded.

When Amanda Hicks, a paraeducator and parent at Clarence Lobo Elementary, saw her two special needs kids unable to join in, as well as a child in a wheelchair, it nearly broke her heart. Her son occasionally wanders near the playground and watches the others at play.

“That was my drive,” she said of changing things.  “We need a space where everyone can play, even if it’s parallel. This puts all kids in the mix.”

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