In Session Fall 2023

FALL 2023

Lessons in design for K-12

IN Session

Topics and trends for educators and administrators from LaBella’s educational design & engineering team

fall syllabus

Harnessing AI for the Future of Educational Design

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Innovative Insights at EDspaces 2023

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Designing With Precision and Purpose to Unlock the Full Potential of Your Property

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Blurred Lines: Purposeful Play Blends Fun and Learning

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Legislation Reminder: Electric Buses are Coming in New York

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Considering Playground and Athletic Facility Accessibility

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In Session LaBella Associates |

Fall 2023

“PUBLIC OFFICE IS A PUBLIC TRUST.”

TIME FOR RECESS! This year, let’s meet the students where they want to be – RECESS! In this issue, we jump into the sandbox, exploring how design can create space for education and play in the school environment.

We break down barriers in athletic facilities so students of all abilities can participate. Sports field improvements can be a challenge in a complex campus setting; we share examples of overcoming difficult site constraints.

The lines between education and play blur as we create immersive learning environments for cybersecurity curricula and Purposeful Play spaces to develop cognitive, social, emotional, and communication skills. Finally, it’s our turn to play in the tech landscape as we give our take on AI and its role in education and design.

Want to see your idea in the next issue of In Session? We would love to hear more about it.

Submit your topic to insession@labellapc.com.

LaBella to Present Innovative Insights at EDspaces 2023 Held from November 7th to 9th in Charlotte, NC, EDspaces is a national conference featuring a multitude of topics involving the future of K-12 and higher education learning environments, pedagogy and trends, and student and faculty wellbeing.

On November 7th, LaBella’s Senior Interior Designer Danielle Lewis, CID, IIDA, WELL AP, and Higher Education Studio Manager Jerry DeRomanis, AIA, will join Chad Weeden, Director of Esports and CyberSecurity Range at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to present “Decoding Cybersecurity.”

This EDsession will delve into LaBella’s expertise on cybersecurity education and immersive learning environments and our design collaboration with RIT on the Global Cybersecurity Institute. Completed in 2020, this facility leads the charge in cybersecurity education and research, providing students with a fully immersive learning environment that allows for real-world practice within a dynamic educational setting. LaBella’s presentation will explore how lines between instruction and reality can be blurred through immersive learning environments, highlighting the value of organizational partnerships in enhancing instruction.

For more details, scan the QR code below:

In Session LaBella Associates |

Fall 2023

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Back to Class

Trinity-Pawling Quadrangle Improvements Like most across New York State, students returned to Trinity-Pawling School in early September. This year, however, they were treated to a special transformation of a cherished campus space.

Trinity-Pawling’s quadrangle ties together Cluett Hall (pictured here), the chapel, library, historic classrooms, and residential buildings.

The Pawling, NY Boarding and Day School for boys, grades 7-12, is truly idyllic and boasts treelined walkways and campus greens. At the center of the 230-acre campus is the main quadrangle, tying together Cluett Hall, the chapel, the library, historic classrooms, and residential buildings.

LaBella recently partnered with the school to re-imagine the quadrangle to reflect the historic brick buildings that surround it.

Our teams provided conceptual design services and oversight of construction. Included in the quadrangle upgrade was the replacement of the interior walkway with a new brick walkway, new lighting, seating areas, stairways, and a prominent patio providing access and a gathering area at Cluett Hall.

Built in 1907, LaBella’s team considered the architectural design elements of the campus to ensure that our design harmonized with the existing structures and overall property.

The space underwent a significant transformation through this design. The new outdoor spaces offer a common area for students to stroll and gather while on campus.

A new brick walkway, lighting, seating, stairs, and patio give students new space to stroll and gather at the 230-acre campus in Pawling, NY.

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In Session LaBella Associates |

Fall 2023

Steep, rocky topography nestled in the forest posed no design barricade for our team. Through careful consideration for rock removal, soil movement, accessibility, habitat preservation, and stormwater, LaBella and KSQ Design successfully integrated the new multi-sport turf field into its natural surroundings.

Land Development

Designing With Precision and Purpose to Unlock the Full Potential of Your Property

By Meghan Friedle, EIT | Civil Engineer

Is your district looking to breathe new life into an existing property? Did you know engineers can maximize the utilization of your land by implementing cuttingedge design features while respecting environmental constraints? While every acre of land comes with its unique challenges and opportunities, there are often ways to develop sites that are not only visually attractive, but also functional and economically viable.

Understanding existing conditions that can add costs to a project early on will allow for appropriate project budgeting.

The process for understanding a district’s project goals often starts with knowing exactly what type of field the community needs. Other times, an athletic field study is necessary to evaluate the varying types and competition levels the facilities host. Once the determination is made regarding the number and types of fields required, site evaluation begins.

Working with a consultant, the property will be mapped for its legal boundaries, easements, and physical constraints.

These constraints are mapped out, letting the design team know the actual developable area.

In Session LaBella Associates |

In K-12 design, large, outdoor athletic facilities often face challenging site constraints.

These might include wetlands, floodplains, topography, soil conditions, and easements. Let’s dig into these obstacles and explore potential engineering solutions for each.

Topography and Soil Conditions Topography includes anything from steep terrain that can be unstable for structures to an open space area that is too flat to offer proper drainage and is prone to flooding. Areas with rocky or mountainous terrain can be difficult to build on due to the need for excavation, rock removal, and specialized engineering techniques.

Topography can affect erosion risk and require stabilization measures, such as retaining walls or erosion control structures, to ensure the stability of buildings and infrastructure.

Different soil types have varying load-bearing capacities and developable qualities.

Sandy soils, for instance, may not provide adequate support for heavy structures, while clay soils can change with moisture fluctuation.

High groundwater levels can affect construction methods; in areas with a high-water table, special foundation designs, such as pilings or elevated slabs, may be required. Soil contamination, often due to previous industrial or agricultural activities, can pose costly remediation efforts before development can proceed. Geological studies and engineering solutions may be necessary to deal with any of these issues.

An athletic fields master plan conducted at North Salem Central School District in Westchester County identified their existing grass field was not conducive for replacement with a new synthetic turf field. The existing field was undersized and did not meet National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) standards. Additionally, it was located within the 100-foot buffer of a NYSDEC wetland with a high groundwater table.

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The study reviewed other alternatives on district property and ultimately recommended construction of a new multi-sport turf field in a primarily forested portion of the property. Located on a rocky, sloping knoll east of the school buildings, the site required careful considerations for accessibility, rock removal, soil movement (cut/fill), habitat preservation, and stormwater management. The goal for integration of a field on this constrained site was to minimize the area of disturbance and disruption to the buffered landscape offered by the surrounding woodlands.

Wetlands and Floodplain Preserving wetlands and their contribution to the environment is an important key to designing a permittable site. Wetlands can limit the development of a property in several ways due to their unique environmental characteristics, ecological significance, and regulatory protections.

Developing a notably low-lying and wet area into a premier athletic facility requires an intricate balance between filling the site and providing flood storage.

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In Session LaBella Associates |

Fall 2023

A search of the parcel may not show any mapped Federal or NYSDEC designated wetlands; however, that does not mean a wetland does not exist.

If wetland conditions are observed, a delineation can be completed to determine any extents. As an example, LaBella worked with the Rochester Institute of Technology to construct a new track and field facility and synthetic turf softball field in a wet open space on the north side of their property.

Working with the local floodplain administrator, it was determined that this area was in a floodplain with adjacent wetlands. The sports complex required the playable areas to remain dry in order to keep the synthetic turf infield from floating away in a flood event, as well as provide stormwater management features to be designed outside the flood limits. The volume of water storage needed to remain equal from before construction to after.

A detailed grading plan was provided to show the volume of water storage that would be available after the design was complete in order to obtain a floodplain permit from the local administrator.

Deeper storage on the south side of the development also allowed for a variety of wetland habitats.

Easement Management Easements can be a puzzle to navigate. An easement limits development of land as it grants certain rights to another party over a specific portion of the property for a particular purpose.

These rights may include the right of access, the right to maintain

infrastructure (sanitary, electric, etc.), or the right to restrict certain activities on the land. Designing around and incorporating easements seamlessly into your development plan is needed to streamline a project through approvals. This ensures compliance with legal requirements while optimizing the use of your property.

A new athletic facility in the City of Syracuse at the Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler High School had a project objective of developing an eight-lane track and supporting events, a multi-sport stadium, three tennis courts, and a natural grass practice field. The district’s property had a stormwater and sewer easement that was owned by Onondaga County.

Per the easement language, no “permanent structure” could be erected over the boundary limits.

A permanent structure included fencing, bleachers, lighting, and anything with a foundation. While this limit does not sound overly restrictive, the easement was 30 feet wide and bisected the only open space on the urban campus.

Other limiting site features were city streets that bordered the property. Design of the sports complex included an underground chamber system to maximize the developable footprint, use of retaining walls to mitigate grade at the adjacent urban streets, and a perfectly angled 400-meter track to sit seamlessly between the easement and the property limits (city streets).

Soil conditions on this site were also an issue as the site contained peat, which does not offer structural stability. To overcome this additional constraint, the field was designed as a building

The field at Fowler High School is in a floodplain, discharges to an impaired watershed, is located within an urban area, and landlocked between an existing development and city streets.

slab where drainage hung from stainless steel supports under the slab and goal posts were supported by surface mounting to the slab.

Many projects have more than one constraint, especially when developing in urban areas.

Understanding existing conditions that can add costs to a project early on will allow for appropriate project budgeting.

At LaBella, we understand that each project is unique and there is always a solution to achieve your district’s design goals.

In Session LaBella Associates |

Fall 2023

Project Highlight

Dansville CSD Athletic Complex As part of their 2019 Capital Improvement Plan, Dansville Central School District (CSD) highlighted the need for significant renovations to their exterior physical education and athletic facilities. The existing football field and running track had surpassed their useful life and the District did not have tennis court facilities on site.

Accessible routes, seating, toilet facilities, and parking were also limited at the existing facility.

LaBella’s design and engineering team worked directly with the District to create a comprehensive site plan.

Pictured Right: Dansville CSD’s Athletic Complex was in a floodplain and required careful planning to mitigate potential risks, including consideration of surface elevation changes, flood resistant materials, and on-site retention ponds.

The site was in a floodplain so special attention was given to mitigating potential risks, including consideration of surface elevation changes, flood resistant materials, and on-site retention ponds. The project highlights included a new multipurpose artificial turf field for soccer, football, and lacrosse; a new eight-lane track; six new tennis courts and court lighting; 1,200-person grandstands and an elevated press box; a large LED scoreboard; and a new concessions/toilet facility building. Additional site work included new access roads and more than 80 parking spaces.

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In Session LaBella Associates |

Fall 2023

Feature

Harnessing AI for the Future of Educational Design

By Courtney Ter-Velde, CID, IIDA, LEED Green Associate | Senior Interior Designer The robots are coming! Many of us may feel that artificial intelligence (AI) is infiltrating our lives. AI has developed in such a way that it can be used to create, think, and design for us with the click of a button. With the concern that these robots will take over our ability to teach and create, how can we harness the power of AI to enhance and support the future of educational design, and generate more robust, well informed, and intentional design solutions for students?

The Role of AI in Education and Design In February 2023, Stanford University held an education summit on AI and stated that “ChatGPT had reached more than 100 million unique users, and 30% of all college students had used it

for assignments, making it one of the fastest-ever applications ever adopted overall – and certainly in education settings. Within the education world, teachers and school districts have been wrestling with how to respond to this emerging technology.”1 This summit set out to ask and hopefully answer, “How can AI like this and other applications be best used to advance human learning?”1 If we consider fundamental learning theories such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs or Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, we see intrinsically linked basic principles on how children access information through their built environments.

Some of these basic principles include the need to feel physically and emotionally safe, the need for engagement

on a social and community level, and the importance of learning through hands-on experiences, all leading to selfactualization. As designers, we seek to address these needs through spatial cues like appropriate scale, visual order, and flexibility in arrangements of furniture, providing choices such as individual areas of refuge or large gathering and collaborative environments for multimodal learning. We include elements of biophilia and indoor/ outdoor spaces to integrate natural elements into our built environments and address inclusion and accessibility through best practices and code.

Let’s look again at the question at hand: how can we as designers harness AI to advance human learning and the educational environment?

In Session LaBella Associates |

Programs like ChatGPT (a text generator) or Midjourney (an image generator) may be to able to support our efforts in programming and conceptual design. By using platforms like these to broaden our own understanding of how to address educational design, we can tap into a vast network of information and tools to promote efficiency and expansive thinking.

Leveraging AI for Design Efficiency Let’s consider the knowledge base designers already carry.

We know that it is imperative to holistic design to understand the fundamental needs of our clients, their districts, and their communities. Often, we can discover and examine these needs through touring the premises, talking with the stakeholders, holding design charettes, and administering enduser surveys.

Real-time feedback and suggestions prompted by AI could support the development of end-user surveys to specifically target the individual needs of a district.

For example, typing a simple prompt such as “create an enduser survey for an elementary school media center” into ChatGPT could generate a letterhead and broad range survey containing questions like, “What types of materials and resources would you like to see available in the media center?” and “What atmosphere or ambiance would you like the media center to have (i.e., cozy, modern, vibrant, traditional)?” The survey, which was developed in mere seconds by an AI program, could function as an outline and starting point to drill down questions tailored to each client’s needs.

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Additionally, this type of survey done on this platform has the potential to promote metrics and solutions for design implementation. As suggested in the aforementioned article, “Interfaces that leverage AI can offer constructive feedback that does not carry the same stakes or cause the same selfconsciousness as a human’s response. Learners are therefore more willing to engage, take risks, and be vulnerable.”1 The learners here are our clients, and we are the educators looking to create comprehensive assessments of their districts and improvements they may not have considered.

Supporting Technology Integration in Educational Spaces Knowing that children learn best in collaborative, hands-on environments, we can look to AI to support their learning through the inclusion of this technology while designing spaces that foster its use.

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In Session LaBella Associates |

Fall 2023

We have already seen the introduction of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the classrooms. In the design of makerspaces and STEAM labs, we support these technologies by integrating green screens, VR headsets, touchscreens, and 3D modeling software to enhance learning. Green screens in classrooms can allow students to create videos, announcements, presentations, and more by expanding the classroom to other worlds – both built and imagined.

VR headsets can place students into simulated situations such as a visit to a museum in Paris or a prehistoric land, furthering their assimilation and connection to the curriculum.

For example, Midjourney is an AI program that can be used to develop artwork and generate images via a series of prompts.

A tool like this could be used in the classroom to support creative writing, illustration, and presentations by providing students with a starting point for creative exploration in areas such as surrealism and fantasy.

Additionally, this type of tool could provide equity for students with limitations in mobility.

Imagine a student without the use of his or her hands being able to create a rendered image simply by using descriptive words via the speech-to-text capabilities of an AI program.

These tools have become widely accepted as delivery methods for learning and speak to the nativetechnology user’s information gathering and communication style. Understanding these tools has enhanced the educational landscape, and we must look to the newest technologies in AI and consider their adoption and use.

Tailoring Learning Environments for Diverse Needs Lastly, let’s further consider how we can use AI to design for equitable spaces. We have discussed how AI in the classroom could support mobility limitations, but how can AI support cognitive limitations or different learning styles?

Employing AI as a tool to measure skill and ability could support educators in developing learning tools that reach those individuals. As a designer, AI could inform how we approach accessibility, wayfinding, and sensory stimulation. The infusion of AI into inclusive design could mean integrating digital assistants like Siri or Alexa to communicate more thoroughly. It could mean using text-to-image tools for signage and wayfinding in conjunction with traditional accessible signage such as Braille lettering or contrasting colors.

It could mean exploring how AI supports sensory stimulation through imagery, light, and sound.

Couple any one of these ideas with flexibility and choice (e.g. a variety of seating, modular and movable furniture and partitions, access to outdoor environments, and areas of refuge) and you now have a learning environment that can be tailored to a variety of needs and learning styles.

In Session LaBella Associates |

Navigating the AI Landscape Responsibly As designers, we are responsible for approaching the use of AI tools with care, respect, and caution. Our own critical thinking and ability to question the information being generated is paramount.

As with any available information, we must do our own research and analysis to determine accuracy and verify content.

Currently, GPT-4 has only been trained on data up to September 2021, so any information produced from this platform has the potential to be outdated.

Therefore, due diligence is crucial.

Furthermore, as design firms, we must be proactive about developing policies regarding how these tools can be used responsibly. Timothy M. Webber, PE, Director of Civil Engineering at LaBella, has been exploring the use of these

tools and developing protocols for referencing and sourcing the information gathered and generated by these programs.

According to Webber, “We need to wrap our heads around these tools and quickly. We can’t know how good these tools truly are until we use them, but we must treat them with respect.”

Embracing AI as Designers of the Future A recent article from Teneo.ai released a ranking of U.S. industries with the highest potential for AI automation.

Architecture and engineering appeared third on the chart, coming in with a 37% estimated share of employment exposed to AI automation.2 Going forward, AI could reshape how we generate programming, design solutions, and even construction efficiencies. Therefore, it may be time to sign a peace treaty to end our internal battle against the “invasion” of AI.

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As designers, we constantly seek to improve the lives of others through just, inclusive, and equitable environments.

Technology integration in learning environments combined with the supportive tools of AI for design can supplement students’ need to learn from firsthand and authentic experiences, connecting those ideas and innovation to the real world.

By cultivating this landscape of critical thinkers, innovators, and advocates through the responsible use of AI, we can seek to reshape not just our interior environments but our communities and beyond.

References https://hai.stanford.edu/news/ ai-will-transform-teaching-andlearning-lets-get-it-right 1

https://www.teneo.ai/blog/aiautomation-potential-us 2

Technology integration in learning environments combined with the supportive tools of AI for design can support students’ need to learn from firsthand and authentic experiences.

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In Session LaBella Associates |

Fall 2023

Intentional Design

Blurred Lines: Purposeful Play Blends Fun and Learning

By Jeffrey Kloetzer, AIA, NCARB | Architectural Regional Manager

Nested modular soft seating gives students freedom to create their own learning environment in a Purposeful Play space at Salamanca City Central School District.

Children excel at learning when they are engaged, curious, and motivated. Purposeful Play creates play experiences in a school setting that align with educational goals. The Salamanca City Central School District (SCCSD) identified an educational benefit in building a Purposeful Play space at Prospect Elementary School.

Through collaboration between SCCSD administrators and staff and LaBella’s design team, a vision was crafted for the new space.

Purposeful Play in schools combines the benefits of play with planned learning objectives.

To develop programming and design plans for the space, SCCSD and LaBella dug into these learning objectives.

Cognitive Development Purposeful Play like exploration, observation, and experimentation encourage cognitive development. Games and activities nurture problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and a deeper understanding of concepts. At Prospect Elementary, mobile containers hold an array of puzzles and blocks for students to solve and manipulate.

Social and Emotional Skills Engaging in activities that promote collaboration, cooperation, and positive relationships can help children develop critical social and emotional skills.

By participating in such activities, students learn to understand and support each other, work together effectively, and exercise selfcontrol. At Prospect Elementary, movable cushioned seating in playful shapes encourages students to interact with one another, playfully communicate, and learn together.

Language and Communication Skills When activities encourage children to express themselves and to listen through storytelling, role-play, and group play, they develop language and communication skills, ultimately promoting communication with one another.

In Session LaBella Associates |

Central to the Purposeful Play space at Prospect Elementary is a carpeted stage, backed by hanging panels and with special overhead lighting so students can step into any character.

Creativity and Imagination Purposeful Play sparks creativity and imagination by giving students the opportunity to create play scenarios and explore new ideas. Through individual and shared activities, students foster their own unique way of playing in the space.

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Prospect Elementary students build structures at eye height with an 18-foot-long LEGO wall.

Purposeful Play space wide open, giving students freedom to do physical activities of their choosing.

Physical Development

Purposeful Play in schools blurs the lines between structured learning and play. Educational games, experiments, role-playing, and interactive simulations serve that dual purpose. Students experience and learn in different ways. Purposeful Play spaces allow for a stimulating learning experience driven by the students and their individual learning styles.

Similar to physical education, physical development activities encourage motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness.

These can include games and exercises that promote overall well-being and encourage healthy habits. Despite many additional features intended to nurture these learning objectives, it was critical to keep Prospect’s

Legislation Reminder

Electric Buses Last fall, we reported on New York State’s plan to transition school bus fleets to 100% electric vehicles (EV) by 2035. We’re here to remind you of some important considerations and steps your district may need to take as we inch closer to the deadline.

As part of New York’s electric bus legislation, school districts will need to implement electric charging stations, identify potential solar applications, and implement significant utility infrastructure upgrades to transition a large electric bus fleet.

To meet the New York State requirements for transitioning district school bus fleets to EV buses, several technical issues should be addressed during the planning phase. In parallel, a detailed evaluation of the existing fleet routes should be performed to estimate a

reliable fleet replacement and match expected usage to EV buses, charging stations and/ or solar power generation. An understanding of the shortest, longest, and average distance routes will enable districts to complete routes reliably year-round. It’s possible that integrating solar into your district’s infrastructure can offset some utility energy cost.

Although the deadline is 2035, it is highly recommended to implement a year-long pilot

program with a handful of buses to provide feedback to the engineers designing the system. This allows for real-world conditions to be accounted for.

Fortunately, there are funding opportunities to assist in these planning efforts, especially for schools in disadvantaged areas As LaBella continues to follow this legislation, we’ll keep you up to date on any changes or opportunities that may impact your district.

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In Session LaBella Associates |

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When designing the multi-purpose athletic field for Brockport Central School District, a ramp to the accessible, ground level field was integrated into the stairway design creating a unified entry into the stadium.

Inclusivity

Considering Playground and Athletic Facility Accessibility

By Michael Cocquyt, CPRP, MBA | Senior Program Manager Play builds the basic skills and motivations for academic success at the earliest of ages.

As children grow, play becomes an important component of more advanced social growth and, if executed correctly, leads to the development of self-perception, emotional intelligence, and other key components of being happy, healthy, and successful human beings.

Regardless of a person’s physical abilities, being included in sports and play opportunities is essential for emotional development.

However, many public spaces, including school facilities, are not designed to be inclusive of people with disabilities, even if they are ADA-compliant.

It generally takes just a small effort to make athletic facilities and playgrounds at schools more inclusive. Inclusive facilities are about having a detailed planning approach, great design, and informed builders.

Combined, the team looks beyond the specifications and works collaboratively to create opportunities for people of all abilities.

The most common barriers keeping people with disabilities from playing and participating in sports include: •

Access to buildings and fields

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Narrow railings or corridors around field spaces

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Mobility through the facility

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Extremes in heat or cold

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An over-stimulating environment

Notice these barriers are not just physical in nature. For an individual with autism, a loud and bright environment can be just as significant of a barrier as a locked door at an entrance. The great news is the solutions for these barriers can help create a less restrictive environment for all.

The following are examples of how schools can increase the accessibility of athletic facilities, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces with small improvements and minimal additional cost.

Surface and Space Considerations Increasing the width of walkways, locker room areas, or staging areas to accommodate wider equipment, such as sportchairs or powerchairs that may need more room to turn around, can require more planning but is imperative for inclusion. Choosing surfaces that can be used for a variety of activities and do not have a lip or step to entry is one easy way to accommodate all needs.

Electricity for Mobility and Communication Devices Placing an electrical outlet on the post of a structure or near natural gathering spaces can make a world of difference for someone in a power wheelchair looking for a charge.

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Athletic participation is taxing on powerchair batteries and removing the fear of running out of power is essential to participation.

Having them in public spaces gives users an immediate sense of belonging and freedom from cards and tablets.

These spaces are invaluable to teachers and coaches trying to teach coping strategies to students who are overwhelmed, regardless of their sensory needs.

At playgrounds and other outdoor spaces, think of places where rest or stationary activities would occur during play, such as a shade structure or near an area generally used for drinks and snacks.

Shade Structures

Music can enhance any great play space. On playgrounds, musical elements on asphalt or concrete surfaces can provide an excellent sensory experience while also increasing accessible spaces with less expensive surfacing.

Many individuals now use electronic tablets for communication devices. Having the ability to recharge while enjoying an outdoor space is imperative to avoid exclusion.

Needing to be stationary for a few minutes is much better than having to go elsewhere to charge a device or go without.

Communication Tools Communication boards are displays of symbols, pictures, or photos that an individual can point to as a way to communicate with those around them. Installing oversized, permanent communication boards in gymnasiums and on fields/playgrounds makes visual communication universal and more inclusive.

Small additions, when creating or enhancing outdoor spaces, can make a huge difference for those with physical or sensory challenges.

For some individuals who have trouble regulating their body temperature, shade is essential.

When possible, natural shade from a tree canopy is preferred. In places where this is not possible, or environmental conditions like the spread of ash bore have removed mature trees, shade structures can be a great addition in outdoor gathering areas.

Sensory-Friendly Spaces and Equipment Many children on the autism spectrum struggle in group environments and benefit greatly from just a few moments away in their own space.

A playground element or small clubhouse space distanced slightly from the rest of the playground can block out the noise and visual stimulus, allowing participants to regroup and return to play rather than needing to leave and end their play session.

As prices of equipment rise, budgets are sometimes expended before a playground gets to construction. Rather than reducing the overall playground space, explore the possibility of a paved musical feature space.

Many of these solutions do not require expensive specialized equipment and make the space better for everyone. An electrical outlet in a shade structure is convenient for anyone looking to charge a device. Having a space to regroup is appreciated by coaches with a child facing a difficult moment, regardless of sensory needs. These small considerations can make a world of difference for anyone, and most importantly keep students and athletes out there and active.

Dansville Central School District Completed in 2022, LaBella worked with the District’s administration and Athletic Directors to create a comprehensive site plan as part of their 2019 Capital Improvement Plan. The plan provided a new physical education and athletic facility along with two playgrounds on the campus. More information on Page 7.

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