Pete Mirich Elementary

Superior Recreational Products awards Pete Mirich Elementary in LaSalle, Colo. as an Excellence in Recreation site for intentionally and thoughtfully designing their outdoor play environment.

Pete Mirich Elementary’s outdoor play site addresses intergenerational play, inclusiveness, and safety. The community sought to replace old equipment with an inclusive environment that breaks down physical barriers to access and social barriers to participation.

“The community of LaSalle and Pete Mirich Elementary School needed a new playground because the old equipment was over 50 years old and this community did not have access to an all abilities and inclusive play area,” Wellness Coordinator Annie Baker said. “Now all of our students have access to this new play area.”

This play environment incorporates wide ramps with access to multiple play events, play activities for children of all ages, and sensory areas catered towards children with Autism.

“This project was truly unique,” Jennifer VanWormer of GoPlay said. “It really shows that when a community comes together with a common goal in mind, it really can happen.”

Aligning their play environment to these best practices and creating a high-quality outdoor recreation environment allows Pete Mirich Elementary School to become a positive gathering place for all community members and allows them to have a model site surrounding schools can replicate.