Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill Friday morning that will allocate funds to build inclusive playgrounds across Georgia.
State House District 29 Representative Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville) spoke on WDUN’s "Mornings on Maine Street" about HB 371 Friday, sharing that Hall County-based non-profit Hope for Hall inspired the new policy.
“This is going to change the way that we build playgrounds for the children of the state of Georgia at elementary schools moving forward, so that they are more inclusive and all inclusive,” Dubnik said. “As I like to say, so that children of all abilities are able to get on those playgrounds and play with one another.”
Hope for Hall fundraises to build playgrounds in Hall County’s elementary schools that not only meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, but are designed to include equipment that accommodate various disabilities. HB 371 outlines that all new elementary schools built after July 2027 will have a minimum standard its playground must meet in order to be inclusive.
The bill was co-authored by Dubnik along with District 32 representative Chris Erwin (R- Homer) and others.
Founder of Hope For Hall Caroline Filchack said some requirements specified in the bill include that 80% of the playground be a unitary surface, such as poured in place rubber, or bonded rubber. Another mandatory component includes metal roller slides to accommodate children with cochlear implants.
So far, Hope For Hall has collaborated with the Hall County School District to build inclusive playgrounds at Wauka Mountain and Sandra Dunagan Deal elementary schools. The non-profit is current;y fundraising to build a similar playground at Lyman Hall Elementary school.
