The Riverside Intermediate School community is preparing the second phase of an accessible playground for upper elementary students, and that effort has been bolstered by a private sector donation.  The Walmart Community Grant program has awarded $2,500 for this playground project.  The first phase was completed in 2017 by the Riverside Intermediate PTO.

“We want all students to feel included in their school community,” said Brian Behrman, assistant principal of Riverside Intermediate School. “The goal of this project is to ensure that students of all abilities have play options. The grant from the Walmart Community Grant program will help us accomplish that.”

Plans for the next phase include a basket swing, percussion stand, sensory table, spinner bowls, and a rope climbing dome. The equipment was selected with input from the school’s occupational therapist to ensure that it is accessible and appropriate for students of all abilities. The school district’s only programs for students this age with serious medical conditions and nonverbal autism are housed at Riverside Intermediate School, so there is a larger than usual population with special needs.

Local Walmart manager Tim Clark recommended his company fund this specific project.

“Through the Walmart Community Grant program, the team at your Fishers Walmart Neighborhood Market is able to give back to our local communities” said Clark. “It’s especially rewarding when we can help kids in need and help drive new and exciting things for them.”

The Riverside Intermediate School PTO hopes to begin construction of the playground addition this spring.  If you would like to donate money to complete this project, use this link.