Sumpter Elementary School in South Salem is working toward a big community goal: building a playground designed to give children of all abilities more opportunities to play together.
The school is one of only two elementary schools in Oregon recognized as a National Banner Unified Champion School, a designation that reflects its commitment to inclusion among students with and without disabilities. Now, the Sumpter community is working to bring that same sense of belonging to recess with plans for a new inclusive playground.
A Small Fundraiser Sparks a Bigger Project
The movement started when 7-year-old Sumpter student Aspen Nelson noticed that her friend—6-year-old Juniper Adkisson, who uses a wheelchair—wasn’t able to use the school’s existing playground equipment during recess.
Wanting to help, Aspen decorated craft popsicle sticks and sold them to neighbors for 50 cents each, raising $38.05 toward a more accessible playground. Her effort became one part of a much larger community campaign to create a play space where more Sumpter students can participate together.
For more about Aspen and Juniper’s friendship and the story behind the project, read Salem Reporter’s original coverage.
Creating a Playground for Children of All Abilities
Although Sumpter’s current playground is technically ADA compliant, it remains inaccessible to students like Juniper. The school’s fundraising campaign explains that children who use wheelchairs, walkers, orthotics, or other mobility devices can face barriers using the space, while some students with sensory or learning differences may not have areas where they feel comfortable participating.
The vision for the new playground is a welcoming space offering a variety of play experiences for children of different abilities. Plans include accessible surfacing, accessible play equipment, and sensory-friendly areas designed to encourage active play, exploration, social connection, and a greater sense of belonging.
Current playground renderings are preliminary, so the final layout, equipment, colors, and other features may change depending on funding, availability, safety requirements, and final approvals.
Fundraising Toward a $301,000 Goal
Before the public fundraising campaign launched, the Sumpter community had already raised $25,000 to help move the project through its initial phase. The campaign has since expanded, with the current Unlimited Play fundraising page listing a total project goal of $301,000.
As of August 17, 2026, Unlimited Play reports that the campaign has reached 22% of that goal.
Community members who would like to support the project can donate online through the Sumpter Elementary Playground fundraising page. Donations can also be made by check through the Sumpter Parent Teacher Club or Unlimited Play, with instructions available on the fundraising page.
Looking Ahead to Summer 2027
Organizers hope to have the playground fully funded by April 2027, with installation planned for summer 2027. The project is an opportunity to create a space that better reflects Sumpter Elementary’s commitment to inclusion and gives more students the chance to enjoy recess alongside their classmates.
With a $301,000 goal ahead, there is still plenty of work to be done—and plenty of opportunities for the Salem community to be part of it. Those interested in supporting the project can learn more, view the playground concept, and donate through Unlimited Play.