Oaks Elementary School

In Spring 2022, residents of Humble, Texas, approved a $775-million bond proposal to fund facility improvements and technological enhancements for their rapidly expanding town, just 20 miles outside Houston. Understanding that learning through movement is equally important as the lessons in the classroom, the Humble Independent School District (ISD) plans to bring themed play to all 30 of its elementary schools.

Towering over the playground is a 23-foot-tall “Giant Sequoia” vertical net tunnel with a 16-foot slide and ADA-accessible membrane entry. Next to Mount Rushmore is a playground first for the Houston area, a Cliff Rider that challenges children to find courage and make the leap. The Double Zipline lets children “fly” to Alaska and soar above the whales “breaching” over the PIP surface. Freestanding play equipment, including spinners, climbing ropes, banister bars, a twisted net spinner, and PIP balls, are scattered throughout the playground. Birds native to Joshua Tree National Park are perched atop a swing set, equipped with ADA-accessible seating. A universal carousel sits in the center of a Yellowstone geyser’s brilliant colors, giving all children an inclusive space to erupt into fun. A communication board keeps inclusion top of mind by providing nonspeaking children easy access to common words, and a “photo op” play panel gives children an interactive way to capture the memories on the playground. With much ground to cover, a playground map gives Oaks Owls a birds-eye view of the playground, identifying each park to “visit.”

Want to see another themed playground in the school district? Head to River Pines Elementary and see the rainforest come to life in play form!