KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County Schools and the Knox Education Foundation are partnering to get new and updated playgrounds to different locations across the school district through the Playspace Fund.
Leaders said they are working to get new playground equipment to seven schools including Fountain City Elementary School, Belle Morris Elementary School and the Knoxville Adaptive Center. The new playground equipment is just the first phase of the fund's goals. Leaders also said construction on the new playgrounds is already underway and has been moving quickly over the last few weeks.
"We launched the Playspace Fund in December 2023 to help build some consistency and standards with playspaces across the county. In partnership with Knox County Schools, we took a look at the needs in particular schools and at school size, whether it's K-12 or Pre-K. The goal was to build consistent spaces that are ADA accessible and provide opportunities for kids to play," said a spokesperson with the Knox Education Foundation.
He said all new schools will be built with a playground moving into the future. He also said the county increased the budget to help maintain playgrounds.
He said the first phase of the Playspace Fund is almost near completion and provided around $1.3 million for 11 playgrounds. He also said the foundation worked with KCS to determine the kinds of playgrounds that fit each school.
In total, the foundation hopes to provide around $4.5 million through the Playspace Fund. There are three phases to the project. The foundation plans to start on the second phase soon and announce which schools will benefit from it.
It is also still fundraising to support playgrounds across Knox County Schools. Anyone who wants to donate to support the project can do so online.
