VHE's Playground is Everybody's Playground is an inclusive playground design that appeals to every body that attends Virginia-Highland Elementary. As Atlanta Public School’s (APS) first-of-its-kind elementary school playground, children so children with disabilities will play alongside their peers on a variety of equipment pieces that are accessible and fun for all. 

The vision for this playground goes beyond inclusive recesses. With dual playground sites - a main playground and Pre-K playground - it is the hope that Everybody’s Playground will become a vibrant neighborhood meet up spot on weekends and holidays, as well as a venue for inclusive APS programs and events.

VHE's Playground is Everybody's Playground is designed for EVERY child at Virginia-Highland Elementary School...

• Age: there is equipment specifically geared towards Kindergartners, 5th graders, and every age in between.
• Interests: the finished school yard will have climbing, ride-along, music, and sports equipment.
• School: the playground will serve VHE students during the school day, but will be open to the entire community on weekends and in the summer.
• Physical Ability: the playground is designed to be inclusive so that our handicapped students can enjoy the playground equipment alongside their peers.

• Relocation of Existing Playground Structure (May 2024): The existing play structure was relocated to the upper lot, which opened up the lower lot to be one large sports field. A rubber surface was poured underneath the play structure, making it safer and more accessible for all children. APS covered the cost of the relocation and the rubber surface.

• Shade Structure & Swings (Sept 2024): The shade structure will serve as a place for students to relax during recess, as well as an outdoor classroom. There will be 3 picnic benches underneath. The swings were the #1 most requested item by students and we are excited to make that dream a reality. Both of these items were funded by the VHE PTO, the Resurgens Foundation, and the VHE Fun Run held in September 2023.

• Main Playground Surfacing & Main Structure: $500,000
  • Our goal is to install the playground surfacing & main structure in Summer 2025
  • The total cost for the phase is $500,000
    • Rubber surfacing, installation, & freight: $250,000
    • Main equipment: $250,000
  • As of 10/7/24, we have $75,000 raised towards this goal
  • See the fundraising page for more details on progress to date