Members of Southern Pioneer Electric’s Helping Us Give to Society (HUGS) team presented $10,000 in grants to Sublette Elementary School to assist with its Playground For All initiative, which includes the construction of an ADA-compliant playground for the community. Grants are provided by both the Southern Pioneer Electric HUGS program and matching funds from CoBank’s Sharing Success program. The playground will include ADA-accessible equipment — a modified merry-go-round and a sensory board.
“We want to increase the accessibility of playground activities for all students,” said Rachel Lee, Sublette Elementary Principal. “Currently, there is no ADA-compliant playground equipment in our school or the community, outside of one accessible swing. This project addresses a critical gap by providing inclusive opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and emotional development.”
The school has been working to secure around $15,000 for the project through grants and local fundraising, and will move to ordering and implementing the equipment once funds are secured. It will serve approximately 200 students during the school day and participants in the school’s after-school program.
“The playground will be available to students during that day and to the public outside of school hours, expanding its impact across the Sublette community and surrounding rural area,” said Lee. “Feedback from teachers, staff and families will be used to evaluate the impact of the project within our community. Community members can direct that back to the school.”
Southern Pioneer’s HUGS team expressed support for the project, appreciating its commitment not only to the students but also to the Sublette community.