At Gouge Elementary School the goal was clear: create a vibrant, age-appropriate playground that reflects school pride while prioritizing safety, supervision, and year-round comfort. The result is a large, thoughtfully designed playground divided into two distinct play zones that are each tailored to developmental needs and connected by a secure gate for controlled access.
Ages 5–12 Play Area
The elementary-age zone delivers challenge, inclusivity, and variety:
- A large inclusive tower playground featuring a ramped entry system, ensuring accessibility for students of all abilities
- Two 4-bay shaded swing sets for high-capacity fun
- Two rope climbers, including a HelioNet, encouraging strength, balance, and confidence
- A freestanding climber with overhead ladder for upper-body development
- Freestanding play panels to support sensory and imaginative play
- Tuned Drums (musical play elements) that bring rhythm and creativity outdoors
- Three shaded benches with integrated canopies, providing comfortable supervision space for teachers and a cool-down area for students
This area balances high-energy play with inclusive access and shaded comfort.
Ages 2–5 Play Area
The early childhood zone was designed for exploration, imagination, and foundational skill-building:
- A larger playground, the PS5-72553, structure scaled for younger users
- Two-bay shaded swings
- A shaded dramatic play vehicle, encouraging storytelling and cooperative play
- A shaded bench for caregivers and teachers
The separation between age groups ensures safe, developmentally appropriate play while maintaining a cohesive site aesthetic.
A Shade-Focused Solution
The most impressive feature of this project is its commitment to comfort and protection.
This playground includes 17 total shade structures, a combination of freestanding and integrated shade elements. Nearly every major play component is covered, significantly reducing surface temperatures and expanding usable playtime during warm North Carolina months.
This shade-forward design creates:
- Increased daily usability
- Improved comfort for students and staff
- Extended equipment longevity
- Enhanced UV protection
Cohesive Design & Surface Safety
The entire playground is installed over turf safety surfacing, providing a clean, accessible, and low-maintenance foundation across both zones.
The color palette of whites, grays, and blues was intentionally selected to align with school colors, creating a polished, unified appearance that feels like a true extension of the campus.
The Result
Gouge Elementary School now has more than a playground. It has a functional, inclusive, and visually cohesive outdoor environment designed for movement, imagination, and connection.
With age-specific zones, extensive shade coverage, inclusive access, and durable turf surfacing, this project stands as a model for modern school playground design in Western North Carolina.