By Mary Brumage, Nebraska Educational Service 13
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. ー Meridian students are starting the school year with a brand-new playground designed to be safer, more inclusive and full of opportunities for fun. Completed over the summer, the playground renovation was made possible through the hard work of Educational Service Unit 13’s (ESU 13) facilities and maintenance crew, the support of community partners and the dedication of employees.
“Meridian is a Level Three program, which means we serve students with significant and complex support needs,” said Jessica Broderick, Director of Special Education. “This playground was designed to give every student—regardless of mobility or sensory needs—a safe, accessible place to play, learn and grow. We know that play is learning, and this project ensures those opportunities are available to all of our students.”
The project included the installation of new equipment, safety-focused features and turf inlays with interactive designs that encourage movement and play. Specialized structures also provide opportunities for students of all abilities to enjoy the space together.
Playground highlights include:
- Adaptive swings with molded seats and safety harnesses
- An in-ground trampoline accessible for wheelchair users
- A wheelchair swing, carried over from the old playground
- A modern merry-go-round with climbing rope features
- A large spinner for group play
- Three outdoor musical instruments
- Turf inlays for hopscotch, tic-tac-toe, and a dartboard-style game
- A practice mound for walking on uneven surfaces
“This was truly a team effort,” Jessica added. “From the planning to the installation, so many people played a part in making this playground a reality.”
A special thanks goes to ESU 13’s Facilities & Maintenance Crew, whose dedication and behind-the-scenes work ensured the project was completed on time and ready for students’ return. ESU 13 also thanks its Board of Education for their unwavering support, Administrator Dr. Laura Barrett for her leadership (and even a little hands-on installation help), and the many ESU 13 staff and volunteers who pitched in with demolition, assembly, and support throughout the summer.
In addition, ESU 13 extends its gratitude to Bluffs Tree Service and 5 S Lawn Care for their in-kind donations of equipment use, which were critical in bringing the project to completion.
The celebration of the new playground has been captured in a short film highlighting the renovation process, student joy and community impact. The full story video is available on ESU 13’s website and YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/NSxli4Z9Hjw?feature=shared, with a shorter version shared on social media to give the community a glimpse of the excitement.
About Educational Service Unit 13
Educational Service Unit 13 (ESU 13) is dedicated to serving, supporting, and empowering the schools, early education programs and communities across the Nebraska Panhandle. ESU 13 provides essential services in areas such as staff development, technology, alternative education, early childhood, special education, and psychological and behavioral health.
Spanning 14,181 square miles across 11 counties, ESU 13 proudly serves over 14,000 students, young adults and children from birth to age 21. Additionally, we support more than 1,500 educators, administrators, early development providers and educational support staff in 21 school districts across 11 counties in western Nebraska.