ADA-Accessible Playground Installation at EK Powe Elementary School – Durham, NC

This project at EK Powe Elementary School in Durham, North Carolina was a complete playground renovation focused on accessibility, safety, and inclusive play. The goal was to replace outdated equipment with a modern, ADA-accessible playground that serves students of all abilities while creating a welcoming and functional outdoor learning space.

Site Preparation & Demolition

Our team began by removing the existing playground equipment and preparing the site for new construction. Once demolition was complete, we graded the entire play area, creating a smooth, level surface to support accessibility requirements, proper drainage, and long-term durability.

New Playground Equipment with Integrated Shade

After site prep, we installed brand-new commercial playground equipment featuring two integrated shade structures. These built-in shades provide critical UV protection and help keep play surfaces cooler—an important consideration for school playgrounds in North Carolina.

The new equipment layout was designed to support a wide range of play activities while maintaining clear sightlines and safe circulation throughout the playground.

ADA Accessibility & Inclusive Features

Accessibility was a key focus of this project. The playground includes:

• A fully ADA-accessible play unit

• Inclusive freestanding play components that encourage participation for children of varying abilities

• Smooth transitions and clear access routes throughout the play area

To support accessibility, we installed poured-in-place (PIP) rubber surfacing continuously up to the adjacent sidewalk, creating seamless, barrier-free access from entry points into the play zones.

Surfacing, Amenities & Finishing Touches

The playground surfacing was completed with ADA-compliant PIP rubber, providing impact attenuation, durability, and low maintenance for a high-use school environment. In addition to the play equipment, we also installed:

• Several freestanding inclusive play elements

• Benches to provide seating for teachers, staff, and caregivers

These additions help create a comfortable, functional space for both active play and supervision.

Project Highlights

• Removal of existing playground equipment

• Full site grading and preparation

• Installation of new ADA-accessible playground equipment

• Two integrated shade structures

• Poured-in-place (PIP) rubber surfacing installed up to sidewalk connections

• Freestanding inclusive play components

• Installation of benches and site amenities

A Modern, Inclusive School Playground

The completed playground at EK Powe Elementary School provides a safe, inclusive, and ADA-accessible play environment that supports physical activity, social interaction, and outdoor learning. This project highlights our experience delivering school playground installations, PIP playground surfacing, accessibility upgrades, and turnkey recreation solutions throughout Durham and the greater Triangle region.