Rye Lake unveils new play spaces and outdoor fitness facilities

There were cheers and leaps for joy – and not just by the students! – as new play spaces and fitness equipment were unveiled on the Rye Lake Campus.

Students attending Extended School Year programs were excited to start swinging, spinning, climbing and rocking the newly installed adaptive playground equipment that has been taking shape since early last month. On July 26, Director of Special Services Andrea Byrne oversaw the official ribbon cutting on the centerpiece of the new facilities.

An orb-like structure that accommodates as many as eight children on two levels spun smoothly as principals, teachers and staff took turns rotating it, to the shrieks of delighted students. Nearby, a sparkling new swing set was put through its paces. Down the hill, near the Decagon building, a large, multi-seated see-saw was filled to capacity (about six kids) as staff helped them rock it back and forth. Meanwhile, up the hill and around back, students pedaled, pumped and pushed off against the fitness facilities, designed to build strength and stamina during playtime.

Manufactured by Landscape Structures and installed by P. Corsetti, Inc., the new facilities create a wealth of new play options for students. Each section boasts a rubberized play surface.