Healthy Schools

Background

Research shows that access to physical activity and supportive environments can improve student well-being and academic success. However, many schools lack the resources to provide these opportunities. Through dedicated partnerships, schools across Mississippi are gaining access to new spaces that encourage active play, healthy lifestyles, and positive student outcomes.

Location

18 schools across the state of Mississippi

Goals

Promote physical activity, encourage healthy lifestyles, support emotional well-being, and enhance student success through positive play experiences.

Outcomes

More than 6,000 students now have access to new playgrounds across 18 Mississippi schools, with 95,400+ square feet of new play space created and specialized training provided to physical education teachers.

The Result

Through this initiative, 18 schools received custom playgrounds designed and built by IMPACT Parks, creating new opportunities for students to be active, explore, and learn through play each day.

Each playground was designed using the six key elements of play outlined in the PlayOn! Design Guide from PlayCore's Center for Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE), helping support physical, social, and emotional development through engaging play experiences. To ensure long-term success, schools also received on-site physical education training and celebrated their new playgrounds with community ribbon-cutting events.

The Impact

More than 6,000 students across Mississippi now have greater opportunities to be active, connect with their peers, and enjoy meaningful play throughout the school day. With over 95,400 square feet of new play space created across 18 schools, this initiative has helped transform everyday recess into an experience that supports healthy habits, confidence, and overall well-being.

By investing in both playgrounds and educator training, the project created lasting resources that will continue to benefit students for years to come.

Healthy Schools Mississippi Ribbon Cutting

Lasting Impact

Union Elementary School strives to accommodate the whole child, and productive play is an integral component in developing a child’s cognitive, social and physical skills. The new playground equipment provides abundant opportunities to support students’ needs through positive play experiences."

Hannah Wren
Principal Union Elementary School Union Public School District