Description:
The objective of this project is to provide the students of Spring Garden School a fun and safe playground where they can exercise and socialize. The students currently have a bare asphalt play area that contributes very little to support healthy and safe play. Adding this playground will, for the first time, provide a safe and organized area for outdoor activities for the students.
How is this work connected to the District's plan to achieve Goals & Guardrails? This project is connected with Guardrail 1. The Spring Garden School is committed to social and emotional health, and with the increased focus by the District in those areas overall as well, we see our playground as an extension of the classroom and another means for students to destress and interact positively with their peers.
How will the success of this contract be measured? We will evaluate the efficacy of our playground through our student well being survey and hope to see increased positive responses. We will also examine our climate and behavior metrics for a reduction in serious incidents as we expect students to be able to release pinned up energy through increased outdoor play.
When applicable, is this an evidence based strategy? If so, what evidence exists to support this approach? There are numerous studies that support playgrounds and positive play. We will use our Student Well Being Survey as the most relevant source of qualitative data on our student population. Children see a vast variety of physical benefits through playground play, including: improved flexibility and balance, dexterity and hand-eye coordination and development of overall motor skills. The presence of the playground increases the opportunities for students to learn how to control their movement and to participate in structured and guided activities.
When applicable, was a larger community of District community members and/or stakeholders involved in this selection process? If so, what groups and how? The playground project has been a community effort from both near neighbors and more-distant supporters. The Friends of Spring Garden School has led the effort to raise funds and organize the playground design and build, but the school's Principal, teachers and families have been instrumental in its progress. Additionally, the West Poplar Neighborhood Association has rallied support from neighbors who don't otherwise have contact with Spring Garden School to raise funds and awareness. The Friends of Greenfield School has also taken note of the project and, in part, to address issues of equity among Philadelphia public schools, has given to the project and committed to an ongoing partnership to support Spring Garden School. Donors to the playground project include James Harden's Impact 13 Foundation, Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, Congregation Rodeph Shalom, Cozen O'Connor PC, Saul Ewing LLP, Berger Montague and dozens of individual donors. Additionally, the Office of Capital Programs has supported the Spring Garden School and Friends of Spring Garden in identifying contractors and with the review and approval of plans for installation.