Students, faculty and administrators dedicated a new outdoor playground at the Randolph Academy. The 6,900-square-foot project features more than 20 different play elements, including a 75-foot zip line, several climbing and crawling play areas, swings, slides and a picnic table. Submitted photo

RANDOLPH — The Randolph Academy, a public school which supports, empowers and educates children with various emotional issues and mental disabilities, officially dedicated its new outdoor playground.

The 6,900-square-foot project features more than 20 different play elements. Among them are a 75-foot zip line, several climbing and crawling play areas, swings, slides and a picnic table/rest area. The play space is designed to Americans with Disabilities Act standards. It is meant to improve students’ strength and agility, including several sensory-rich elements like a roller slide, melody chimes and bongos.

“This playground provides something for everyone, including nine different types of play,” said Superintendent Lori DeCarlo, who also oversees the academy’s second campus in Hamburg. “Whether you like swinging, sliding, spinning, climbing, crawling or simply resting and enjoying the outdoors, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.”

These new play spaces not only enhance the exercise options for this 110-student, K-12 campus, but they also are open to the public outside of school hours, improving the physical activity options available to children and families in the Randolph community.

“It’s so important for students to have options for physical activity and creative play at every age,” added Katie Wissman, Randolph Academy’s Elementary School team leader.

“This state-of-the-art playground gives students with a wide variety of ages and abilities many options to have fun independently or with friends, and participate in a manner the suits them best.”

The playground was designed by Young and Wright Architects and constructed by Titan Construction. The designer was Linda Culliton, CPSI, and the equipment was manufactured and supplied by GameTime and MRC Recreation. The project included the creation of a new retaining wall, wider sidewalks, safety surfacing, drainage and more, all meeting the current standards and guidelines detailed under ADA Law.

Approximately 100 students, faculty, administrators, board members, project partners and community members participated in the dedication.