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Barnwell Primary School Hosts Dedication Ceremony for New Inclusive Playground

A smiling girl in a wheelchair sits on a swing in the foreground, while a man stands beside her and a colorful playground sits in the background.
Barnwell Primary School Hosts Dedication Ceremony for New Inclusive Playground
A smiling girl in a wheelchair sits on a swing in the foreground, while a man stands beside her and a colorful playground sits in the background.

A BPS 1st grader enjoys the wheelchair-accessible platform swing as her father pushes her.

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Barnwell Primary School held a special dedication ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new inclusive playground, a specially designed space where children of all abilities can play, explore, and grow together.

Principal Jared Thrasher welcomed guests and expressed his excitement about what the new playground represents. “This playground shows what our school is all about—kindness, inclusion, and making sure every student feels welcomed and loved,” he said. He thanked Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton and district leaders including Mrs. Kim Rhoad, Dr. George McIntosh, and Mr. Mike Beasley, along with the Barnwell County School Board, for their vision and support. He also extended appreciation to Bobby Adams and his team from MAPA Recreation for their hard work and commitment to creating an accessible and engaging space for all students.

A group of people stand behind a red ribbon for a cutting ceremony on a blue playground surface with red play equipment and trees in the background.

School and district leaders cut the ribbon for the opening of the new playground area.

Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton also addressed the crowd, emphasizing the heart of the project. “From the beginning, this project was about one powerful idea: every child deserves a place to play, to laugh, and to belong,” she said. Dr. Stapleton acknowledged the many individuals and teams who played a role in bringing the project to life, including school and district staff, the Board of Trustees, parents, and community members whose support helped turn the vision into reality.

A woman and a young boy stand on a blue playground surface interacting with a red activity board, with a covered structure and trees in the background.

A BPS student enjoys playing with the sensory board.

Bobby Adams, speaking on behalf of MAPA Recreation, shared how meaningful the project was for his team. He expressed pride in the finished work and appreciation for the district’s decision to make inclusive play a priority for the 2025–2026 school year.

The new playground features a variety of equipment designed to promote accessibility and sensory engagement. It includes a sensory wall for tactile interaction, multiple swings equipped with enhanced safety features, and a wheelchair-accessible swing that ensures students with mobility challenges can enjoy the playground alongside their peers.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, students were invited to explore the new playground. The space quickly filled with laughter, energy, and the joyful sounds of children playing together—just as it was meant to.

The inclusive playground stands as a powerful symbol of Barnwell County School District’s ongoing commitment to equity, belonging, and the belief that every child deserves a space where they are seen, valued, and included.

A large group of children and adults pose together in front of a red swing set with a backdrop of lush green trees.

Attendees at the BPS Inclusive Playground Dedication all join together for a photo in front of the new playground area.

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Barnwell Primary School Hosts Dedication Ceremony for New Inclusive Playground

For more information, contact:
Barnwell County School District Superintendent Office
Phone: (803) 541-3590
Email: cstapleton@bcsd.net