St Brigid Inclusive Playground

The St. Brigid School Inclusive Playground will benefit children of all abilities from St. Brigid School as well as families in Citadel and neighboring communities. The playground will serve as a free, safe, and accessible space for children to play, learn, and grow together. This includes students from St. Brigid’s two specialized programs for children with special needs, who currently have limited opportunities for inclusive outdoor play. The new playground will provide a space where these students can engage in physical activity alongside their peers, supporting social interaction, confidence, and independence.

Beyond the school, the playground will be open to the broader community, creating an equitable space for families who may face financial, social, or accessibility barriers. According to 2020 census data, 18–20% of families in the surrounding neighborhoods earn less than $45,000 per year. At St. Brigid School, 27% of students come from low-income households, making access to a safe, well-equipped playground essential. For many of these children, playgrounds are the only nearby spaces where they can engage in active, social play, develop coordination and motor skills, and form friendships.

The inclusive playground is designed to meet diverse needs, with features such as a wheelchair-accessible rubberized surface, functional circuits, parallel play areas, bump-up platforms for slides, agility and balance challenges, swings, and interactive engagement panels. These elements ensure that children with mobility devices, sensory sensitivities, or developmental differences can fully participate, while also creating enriching experiences for all students.

Families, caregivers, and the wider community will also benefit. Playgrounds are vital gathering spaces that foster social connection, community pride, and healthy lifestyles. They provide opportunities for family interaction, peer collaboration, and active recreation—critical for children’s mental health and well-being.

By supporting this project, we are not only creating a playground, but a community hub that removes barriers, encourages inclusion, and ensures every child—regardless of ability or background—can experience the joy of play, grow socially and physically, and feel a sense of belonging. The St. Brigid Inclusive Playground will be a lasting symbol of accessibility, equality, and community spirit.

The St. Brigid Inclusive Playground will benefit children of all abilities from St. Brigid School, including students from the school’s two specialized programs for children with special needs. These students currently have limited opportunities to play safely and inclusively alongside their peers. The new playground will provide an accessible environment where they can engage in physical activity, develop social skills, build confidence, and interact with children of all abilities in a supportive setting.

In addition to students with special needs, the playground will serve the broader St. Brigid student population, offering a safe space for active play, skill development, and social connection. Features such as wheelchair-accessible surfaces, functional circuits, parallel play areas, bump-up platforms for slides, agility and balance challenges, swings, and collaborative engagement panels ensure that every child—regardless of physical, sensory, or developmental needs—can participate fully.

Families from the surrounding Citadel community and neighboring neighborhoods will also benefit. Many families face financial or social barriers to recreational activities; 18–20% of families in the area earn less than $45,000 per year, and 27% of St. Brigid students come from low-income households. For these children, the playground may be the only safe and accessible space to play outdoors, socialize with peers, and maintain physical and mental well-being.

The playground will be free and open to all, creating a gathering place for families to connect, for children to form friendships, and for the community to foster inclusion and equity. By removing barriers and offering a space designed for diverse abilities, the St. Brigid Inclusive Playground will directly benefit students with special needs, the broader student body, and families across the Citadel community, ensuring every child has the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive.