Play, Constructed

Last spring, more than 250 members of the Sequoyah community made their way to the K-8 campus for one last slide on the school’s venerable old playground structure. Students, faculty, staff, and families crowded onto the sand, clambered up the slide, and took their place on the monkey bars and bridge while a drone flew overhead to commemorate the occasion.

Three days, later, a new era of play began.

Thanks to the support of two generous Sequoyah families, Sequoyah commissioned and installed a new structure on the old site for future generations to explore and call their own. The Student Government Structure Committee—with guidance from Assistant Head of School Kim Diaz—was able to shape play and be a part of the decision-making process.

“Getting a committee together was an effective way to gather student voices, needs, wants, and ideas,” says Kim. “Anyone was welcome, and the committee reported to the community at large through All-School Meetings.”

“I thought the idea that students had a say in the community was great, and led to a better school,” adds Finn Webster ‘28. “I was involved in collecting and sharing feedback about the new structure.”

Students were asked what mattered most to them and what features they’d like to see. Priorities included a slide, swings, and being able to climb—the higher, the better. They also learned about the benefits and drawbacks of different types of ground cover, ultimately choosing to run on wood chips instead of sand or artificial turf.

Sequoyah then contracted with Kompan, a company known for its sustainable practices and commitment to fun and captivating outdoor playgrounds. “They were most responsive, eco-friendly, and creative,” says Kim. Construction began shortly after the farewell celebration and concluded a few weeks later, giving the K-8 crowd ample time to get acquainted with the new structure before the school year ended.

“It was weird seeing a new structure,” says Finn. “I have a lot of memories of the old one, but I was excited to see what the new one would look like and how the community would feel about the change.”

Zola Wills ‘28, another member of the Structure Committee, agrees. “I was definitely sad to see the structure I’d always known be changed, which made me appreciate my true love for the structure when I was younger,” she says. “But I realized that, by having a choice in the process of selecting the new structure, I could make my mark and my decision for future generations of kids to enjoy, and that is endlessly special.”

With a slide, spinner, multi-story climbing web, tire swing, and more, the new playground has proven to be a big hit with current students. “It is a pretty epic structure,” says Zola, “one that reflects our opinions.”

“My favorite part,” she adds, “is the web rope structure—specifically the part with the mobile chair. It’s so comfy to relax and read a book in.”

“There is nothing more exciting than watching new games and traditions be born for new generations,” Kim adds.

Now, one year later, Sequoyah has fully embraced the new structure. The playground is abuzz with activity and laughter on warm days, and the mood is light and carefree. A new tradition has been born.

“I was glad I could have a part in selecting a new structure,” says Finn. “I am really impressed with how the school handled the change, and how they were open to student suggestions.”