Outdoor Play, Learning, Activity Center at Woodside Elementary in Wisconsin Rapids to be Complete Soon

Monday, August 21st, 2023 -- 9:05 AM

The Wisconsin Rapids School District is excited to announce that the Outdoor Play, Learning, Activity Center (OPLAC) under construction at Woodside Elementary School located at 611 Two Mile Avenue in Wisconsin Rapids is on track to be completed by the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.

To celebrate, a grand opening is planned for Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.  Families, staff members, and the entire community are invited to attend this special event. The OPLAC is designed to increase outdoor opportunities for students with and without disabilities to play and learn alongside one another, as well as create a welcoming place for families beyond the school day.

The project includes main play and activity centers on the east and west sides of the school campus with features such as all-user accessible/inclusive play equipment, multiple play/activity areas, social play, sensory play, and soft play surfaces to meet everyone’s needs.

The project is intended to improve the physical, emotional, intellectual and social-emotional well-being of students and provide the great Wisconsin Rapids area community with a place to connect and grow together.

The front playground dubbed the “Woodside Pride Playground” is being recognized as a National Demonstration Site for inclusive playgrounds.  The back two “Woodside Lumberjacks” playgrounds also include accessible and inclusive features centered around a woodlands theme.

The local Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin has generously provided $1.2 million in grant funding toward the overall $1.5 million cost of the project.  Woodside Elementary has been fundraising for the balance, and District funds will cover the remainder needed to complete the playground portions of OPLAC.

Should additional funds become available, additional phases in the project of adding an outdoor classroom and pickleball courts to the site will be pursued. We want to extend deep appreciation to the staff members involved in identifying the needs and spearheading the OPLAC project.

The District is extremely grateful for the grant provided by Legacy Foundation, as well as the numerous donations from families and community members to support the OPLAC fundraising efforts.

None of this would be possible without the support of everyone involved, and we hope to see many families and community members attend the grand opening on August 30th.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.