New adaptive, accessible and inclusive playground brings smiles and laughter to Bristow Elementary

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-Warren County Public Schools have taken a huge step to make sure everyone is included. 

“This will be a game changer for her.”

Bristow Elementary is unveiling their brand new adaptive, accessible, and inclusive playground equipment. 

“I’m holding back tears. I’m excited. I’m overjoyed that now she’ll be able to play with her friends and be able to play like a regular student would,” said Shelley Long, who’s daughter has down syndrome and autism. 

The equipment includes a sensory hall, musical instruments, and safe swings. 

“We wanted to make sure we provided something for our community that was not readily available and there was no accessible equipment on the north side of Warren County and so we wanted to make sure we had a central playground for our students with disabilities,” said Bristow Elementary principal Chris Stunson. 

The students have loved it so far! 

“We play and then we be nice,” said one student.

And it’s not just for students at the school.

“Our playgrounds in warren county are accessible to the public so this will be accessible to students and community members in warren county on nights and weekends as well,” said Stunson. 

Stunson said they’re not stopping there. The school is already working on getting funding for phase 2 of the accessible playground.