Fort Smith Public Schools Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Playground

Fort Smith, AR — Fort Smith Public Schools administrators, staff, students, and board members celebrated the completed installation of new playground equipment at Barling Elementary School today at a ribbon cutting ceremony. The district is investing $3.3 million in new elementary school playgrounds over the next three years, and today’s celebration marks the first.

“We are excited to celebrate the completion of the playground at Barling,” FSPS Superintendent Martin Mahan said. “This new, interactive playground gives students the opportunity to make new friends, have fun, and build critical interactive skills. Seeing students’ faces light up today as they enjoyed the new equipment was the highlight of the day.”

The FSPS Playground Committee, which was comprised of more than 20 district staff and leaders, dedicated more than 75 hours researching options and collecting feedback from the public. More than 2,100 students, staff, and parents provided input, with a majority selecting “Oceanscape” as the theme. 

In addition to Barling, playground equipment is being installed at Ballman, Euper Lane, Fairview, Park, and Tilles Elementary Schools during the first round of installation. The remaining schools will receive new playgrounds over the remaining two years.

To learn more about FSPS, visit https://www.fortsmithschools.org/.