GRAPHIC PROVIDED This preliminary mock up provided by Kompan, Inc. to the Bellefonte Area School District shows the special needs playground that was approved by the board of directors at the new elementary school.

BELLEFONTE — The Bellefonte Area School District is moving forward with plans to install a dedicated special needs playground at the new Bellefonte Elementary School.

The playground will be located just outside the special education classrooms, providing direct access for students during the school day.

The district’s board of directors voted last week to purchase equipment and install pour-in-place rubber surfacing for the playground at a cost of $148,615.80 from Austin, Texas-based playground equipment supplier Kompan, Inc.

In March, the board approved $575,000 for a primary playground at the school from the same supplier. Neither playground project was included in the new elementary school’s $55 million construction budget.

The purchase includes a universal carousel accessible to children of all abilities, with space for caregivers or teachers to accompany students. Additional elements include play panels with movable parts for sensory stimulation and cooperative play, as well as an inclusive seesaw and swings.

Because of cost, the design does not include the $100,000 wheelchair-accessible swing requested by staff, opting instead for an alternative inclusive option.

The project does however cover necessary foundational work to support installation of the equipment.

While the playground will be open to the public, its placement at the rear of the school means it is not easily accessible. At the request of board President Jon Guizar, district staff will explore installing a path to improve public access.

The district hopes both playgrounds will be complete by the start of the 2026-27 school year.