GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County Public Schools celebrated the installation of two new inclusive playgrounds Tuesday at Baggett Elementary School and Ferguson Elementary School. The facilities are designed to provide more opportunities for all students to play together regardless of their physical abilities.
Each playground features specialized equipment including ramps, gliding see-saws and slides. The installations also include playground communication boards, which allow students to interact both verbally and non-verbally while using the equipment.
The project at Baggett Elementary School originated from a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) project-based learning experience.
Fourth-grade students acted as project managers, using simple machines to design a playground focused on accessibility. During a dedication ceremony, students identified teamwork, problem-solving, inclusion and perseverance as skills they expect to develop on the new equipment.
Baggett Elementary School Principal Kevin Payne noted that the students’ research was instrumental in the project’s development.
“They researched inclusive playgrounds, explored why they matter and even designed their own playground ideas focused on accessibility and making sure all students can play together,” Payne said. “Their work helped shine a light on the need for a more inclusive space at our school.”
Financial support for the Baggett playground came from Regions Bank as well as two local families, the Hansens and the Dorfmans. Because these donations covered the costs of the inclusive playground, the money originally raised by the fourth-grade students will be redirected to create a new play area for the school’s Pre-Kindergarten students.
At Ferguson Elementary School, the new playground was funded through donations from Gas South and the Stratix Corporation. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially unveil the space, students held signs and shared a message over the school intercom to thank the corporate donors and district leadership.
Ferguson Elementary School Principal Altonise Royal described the project as a milestone for the community.
“Today represents so much more than the unveiling of a new space; it is a celebration of partnership, generosity and the commitment to our students and the Gwinnett County community,” Royal said.
She added that the support from donors helped create a place where “imagination will grow, friendships will flourish and joy will be experienced every day we have school.”
The funds previously raised by Baggett students will be applied toward the upcoming construction of the school’s new Pre-Kindergarten playground.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
