Edgefield County School District Playground Renovation: Custom Designs for Every School

When Edgefield County School District in South Carolina set out to update the playgrounds at all of its elementary schools, they needed more than just new equipment. They needed tailored recreation spaces that would meet the unique needs of every student. That’s where Carolina Recreation & Design (CRD) stepped in.

This large, multi-location project was completed in early 2025 and included playground installations at Douglas Elementary, Johnston Elementary, Merriweather Elementary, and W.E. Parker Elementary. Working closely with each school’s principal and staff, and our supplier partners at Henderson Recreation, Carolina Recreation ensured that every playground reflected the school’s personality, student age groups, and accessibility needs.

A Collaborative Approach to School Playground Design

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the Carolina Recreation team broke the project into phases and collaborated directly with school leadership to customize each site. The result? Four unique, functional playgrounds that balance fun, safety, and accessibility.

A key consideration for each location was accessibility for children of all ages and abilities.   Each playground utilizes a balance of ADA-compliant play equipment with challenging, age-appropriate play elements, each uniquely color-coordinated to match school branding, creating a sense of pride and belonging for students and staff alike.

Details by School

Douglas Elementary School

  • Area for ages 2–5: Playground equipment, rubber mulch, and synthetic turf surfacing
  • Area for ages 5–12: Playground equipment and rubber mulch
  • Yellow and red to match the school colors 
  • Shade so the playground can be used on hot days 
  • Favorite Feature: Spiderweb Climber

    • Johnston Elementary School

    • Area for ages 2–5: playground equipment, rubber mulch
    • Area for ages 5–12: playground equipment, rubber mulch

    Merriweather Elementary School

    • Seven total play areas
    • Three areas for ages 2–5: playground equipment, rubber mulch
    • Four areas for ages 5–12: playground equipment, rubber mulch
    • Green and blue to match the school colors 
    • Favorite Feature: Climbing Obstacle Course

    • W.E. Parker Elementary School

    • Five separate play areas designed to encourage age-appropriate play and promote active engagement throughout the day
    • Blue and silver to match school colors 
    • Favorite Feature: Multiple separate play areas 

    • Safe, Inclusive, and Durable Materials

    CRD installed rubber mulch and synthetic turf surfacing throughout the project—both chosen for their long-lasting durability, low maintenance, and superior safety. These materials help absorb impact, reduce injuries, and provide a clean, accessible environment that’s ideal for students of all abilities.

    In addition, every playground incorporated inclusive play elements to ensure that students of all ability levels could fully participate.

    Why Separate Play Areas Matter

    Dividing playgrounds by age and activity level isn’t just about organization—it’s about safety and engagement. Younger children benefit from smaller-scale play structures that build coordination and confidence, while older students need more physically challenging equipment to keep them active and interested. Carolina Recreation’s designs ensure that every student can play, learn, and grow in an environment suited to their developmental stage.

    Why Schools Partner with Carolina Recreation & Design

    As a turnkey playground and outdoor recreation provider, Carolina Recreation & Design delivers more than just playground equipment. From concept to completion, our CRD team handles:

    • Initial Design Concepts, specific to your site
    • A variety of equipment ideas and options
    • Safety surfacing and drainage
    • Equipment Installation, guaranteeing compliance to safety standards
    • ADA compliance and inclusive considerations
    • Shade structures, site amenities, fencing, site prep, and much more!

    With trusted supplier partners like Henderson Recreation providing high-quality equipment, CRD ensures every playground is built to last—visually appealing, safe, and engaging for years to come.

    Supporting Healthy Play for Every Age

    Playgrounds aren’t just for elementary students. CRD encourages schools to consider outdoor recreation and fitness areas for middle and high school campuses as well. Physical activity supports mental focus, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being for students of all ages.

    From elementary play spaces to outdoor fitness trails and wellness stations, Carolina Recreation & Design provides creative solutions that make outdoor activity a natural, daily part of the school experience. Call us today at 704-664-1833 to get your project started. 

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