Click to return to the Decorah Community School District Website
*All designs may continue to evolve throughout the upcoming bidding and construction.
Click the image(s) to see a larger image.
Designed for All Ages
The new elementary school will feature two dedicated playgrounds, thoughtfully designed to provide safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate play experiences for students of varying age groups.
Key design recommendations that guided this effort include:
Creating two separate playgrounds to support age-specific play and safety
Installing fencing around each playground to provide clear boundaries, prevent equipment from entering nearby streets, and ensure student safety without limiting community access
Increasing the number of swings to meet student demand
Using turf surfacing to improve drainage and long-term durability
Expanding green space for early childhood exploration and play
Establishing defined line-up areas to support safe and organized transitions
Adding equipment such as four square and basketball courts to promote active play
These playgrounds are designed not only for school-day use but also to serve as a welcoming space for the community after hours.
Prioritizing Safety and Welcoming Community Use
Fencing has been thoughtfully included in the playground design to enhance safety, especially given the close proximity to surrounding streets. These barriers serve multiple purposes: they help guide students during recess, prevent balls and equipment from entering roadways, and reduce the need for staff to retrieve items from unsafe areas.
Importantly, the fencing is not intended to restrict access, but rather to create a secure and well-defined space for play. The community is encouraged to enjoy these playgrounds outside of school hours. To support this, we are considering signage at entry gates to clearly communicate that these areas are open for public use during evenings and weekends.
By combining safety with accessibility, fencing helps ensure that students are protected during the school day while also inviting families and neighbors to enjoy the space as a shared community resource.