Background
To appreciate the project at East Elementary, it is important to understand the background of the school and the surrounding area. East Elementary is situated just outside of North Carolina's most populated city, Charlotte. The school has been a fixture of the community for over 70 years, seeing multiple generations and over 500 students pass through its doors each year. With the rapid growth of the Charlotte metropolitan area, it was well past time for a new chapter to begin that mirrored the area and allow for future growth. A 2022 bond referendum funded the new $39 million dollar facility, constructed on the same grounds as the old campus.
The Design Process
The Barrs team first met with Union County Public Schools Project Manager, Randy Mullis 3 years ago when breaking ground on the new school was a distant goal. Considering multiple firms, Randy and Union County Public Schools ultimately chose Barrs Recreation because of “The Design team and (the) meetings with UCPS were amazing and wanting to do a great job!” Through the planning process, April and Carolynne met with members of the school's team to address their specific needs and concerns to ensure that the new equipment would stand the test of time and grow with the needs of the school and its programs. The EC playground was specifically designed with a student in mind that used a mobility device, after teachers and staff reported that the student was unable to play on the existing playspace and felt they were being isolated from their peers. The school district decided to implement a new accessible playground so current and future children could have the opportunity to play and learn together.
The design and planning for the school age space and the outdoor classroom came later in the planning process to complement the new equipment in the EC space. The outdoor classroom was included to give children a place for more formal learning while maintaining an explorative outdoor element.
The Equipment
As mentioned earlier, East Elementary has three recreation spots: an inclusive space serving the EC Program, a spacious and challenging school aged space, and a shaded outdoor classroom complete with music. While the majority of the play equipment is brand new, a few small elements like the swings on site, were in great shape and able to be re-conditioned. The rest of the school's outdoor recreation space was completely revitalized using Burke equipment.
The EC playground features many of the new products that Burke released in 2025 that fully address all facets of ability. Barrs and Burke focused on items to engage all senses, including auditory, tactile, visual, vestibular, proprioceptive, body strength and coordination. It was important to add STEM based items that encourage cognitive and social growth. While this location allows a spacious foot print that includes a trike track, these designs can be replicated on a smaller scale.
The outdoor classroom features music and a stage to further promote social and cognitive development, playful interactive fencing panels, and comfy novo tables for students and teachers alike.
The school age space features a main structure with age appropriate net climbing challenges from our level x climber. The level x is a universally-designed climbing, sensory and tactile experience for children of all abilities ensuring that no two days of recess are the same. An abundance of freestanding climbers, inclusive orb rocker, and a multi-user Rev 8 spinner complete the space. The size and variety of equipment in this space ensures that entire grades can utilize and play in the space at the same time.
All three recreation spaces provide a critical outlet for students and families to socialize and learn together year round and continue the family legacies at East Elementary. If you are interested in learning more about the products used in these designs, let our team know!