The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation gifted elementary schools across the state with new 21st Century playgrounds. Studies show creating environments for children to experience unstructured play supports their physical health and increases their chances of succeeding in the classroom.

Schools selected to receive a playground either did not currently have a playground or had a playground that was aged and in disrepair. Each of the 5,380 square foot inclusive playgrounds includes turf safety surfacing, shading systems and 24 pieces of play equipment.

Each school playground is a spacious place for students to engage in active play outside the classroom. The playground structures are designed for physical activities such as climbing, crawling, jumping and running to improve balance, flexibility and cardiovascular health while promoting creativity and building social skills.

The Foundation also provided each school with teacher education curriculum created as a best practice guide for promoting overall fitness and fun through the use of outdoor play environments. The evidence-based curriculum is aligned with national physical education standards and help students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to be physically active for a lifetime.

The Building Healthy Schools | Playgrounds grants are aligned with the Foundation's vision of a healthy Mississippi while motivating schools to create sustainable healthy school environments.

Pictured Above: Rendering and images of school playgrounds provided by the Foundation.