The seven Seguin ISD elementary schools have received a makeover this past spring and summer. When school starts on Tuesday, students will have new playgrounds in the school yard.

Thanks to voters in the 2019 bond election, $1.8 million was approved to purchase equipment and construct a new, inclusive and partially shaded playground at each elementary. The playground construction projects started in January wrapped up in August.

“We had several playgrounds completed this past spring but the COVID-19 closures kept our students at home and unable to use the new equipment. With students returning this fall, even in limited numbers, it will be great to see our students enjoying the playgrounds. Each playground has standard features including components designed to maximize fitness for students of all skill and ability levels,” said Pete Silvius, Seguin ISD director of whole child initiatives.

The playgrounds feature equipment that is ADA accessible, multi-sensory play areas and shade canopies. Concrete sidewalks were poured to offer safe and clean egress from campus buildings to the playscape areas.

“When Seguin ISD schools open for students on Sept. 8, we will continue to promote physical activity as a vital foundation to learning and social development in Seguin ISD along with the extra precautions we are taking to do so safely,” said Dr. Matthew Gutierrez, Seguin ISD superintendent.

Technology is also integrated into the new playscapes.

“Site users are invited to use their phone to scan a QR code on signage at the playground. By answering a few questions responses will be collected, summarized and shared in a site-specific report to help us gauge value and impact of each playground. No personal data will be collected, Silvius said.

“The community had the foresight to create opportunities to addresses the development of the whole child by providing a meaningful destination for individuals of all ages and abilities to play together,” he added.