Our Initiatives
KEF has created a private-public fund to help reverse three decades of challenges for our public schools and reinforce the importance of play for our students. This innovative funding solution will support playspaces across Knox County Schools.
Partnership to Sustain Change
The Playspace Fund is adding new play structures and meeting updated ADA requirements for inclusive play. Through a new partnership with Knox County Schools (KCS), the approach for funding and maintaining school playspaces is changing. KCS has designated a full-time position to manage playspaces and increased the maintenance fund to assist schools with the upkeep of play structures. Moving forward all new schools will include a playground.
Why Does Play Matter?
Playgrounds provide opportunities for physical activity, coordination, balance, strength, and are essential for maintaining good health.
Playgrounds increase the development of emotional intelligence and allow children to interact with their peers, creating strong skills in communication, cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Play encourages creativity and imagination, allowing children to explore new ideas, scenarios, and roles. This fosters the development of creative thinking, innovation, the ability to see things from different perspectives, as well as opportunities for children to learn more about themselves through various play experiences and exploration.
Exposure to nature and outdoor play have been associated with effective learning in the classroom by improved attention, reduced stress, and enhanced cognitive function, all of which contribute to a positive classroom learning experience. Activities such as climbing, balancing, and navigating obstacle courses help enhance a child's problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and decision-making abilities.
FAQs
General
Renderings of Phase 1
