Payne Elementary School – Washington, D.C.

Project Overview

Project Overview

Sparks@Play is proud to have partnered with DC Public Schools to provide an inclusive school playground at Payne Elementary in Washington, D.C. that gives every child a place to play, learn, and grow. Designed for children ages 2–12, this vibrant outdoor space earned a prestigious spot on the Soliant Top 10 Inclusive Playgrounds of 2025. It is a standout example of what community-centered inclusive playground design looks like in our own backyard.

Playground Equipment and Play Features

A Landscape Structures PlayBooster® structure serves as the centerpiece of this inclusive school playground. Students climb, slide, and navigate a variety of bridges — including the Boppity Bridge®, SwiggleKnots® Bridge, Swiggly Stix™ Bridge, and TightRope™ Bridge. Every crossing builds balance, coordination, and confidence. Each crossing builds balance, coordination, and confidence. Overhead events such as the LolliLadder™ with E-Pods and the Overhead Trekker™ Ladder build upper-body strength. The Oodle® Swing and Rollerslide keep students moving and engaged throughout every recess.

DigiFuse® educational panels turn playtime into a learning experience. Kids discover facts about the human brain, atoms, and the moon as they play. Kids discover facts about the human brain, atoms, and the moon as they move through the structure. Students do not just play at Payne Elementary — they explore, think, and discover.

Inclusive Play for Every Child

Inclusivity sits at the core of this Washington, D.C. school playground. The OmniSpin® Spinner and Wee Crawl® Tunnel welcome children of all abilities. Sensory panels — including the Optigear Panel® and Marble Panel® — support a range of play styles and sensory needs. The Cozy Dome® provides a calming space for students who need a quieter moment. A Sign Language Panel adds an educational and community-minded element that makes this playground truly one of a kind.

Surface America‘s PlayBound™ Poured-in-Place surfacing keeps it all safe and accessible. The ADA-compliant surface ensures every student can reach every corner of this inclusive school playground with ease.

Proud to be featured as a Top 10 inclusive playground!