Students at the opening of the Glen Lake Elementary playground last summer

Courtesy of Hopkins Public Schools (John Buettner); Tim Gruber/AP Images for Scholastic (all other images)

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A Playground for All

Students in Minnesota created a special playground for all kids to enjoy.

May 12, 2025
By Talia Cowen

Recess used to be tough for some kids at Glen Lake Elementary School in Minnesota. Most of the equipment in the school’s playground wasn’t accessible to kids with disabilities. 

Just ask 13-year-old John Buettner. He was born with a condition called cerebral palsy (CP). Many people with CP have a hard time controlling the movements of their muscles.

John couldn’t play with his friends on the swings or the slide. He couldn’t even roll his wheelchair over the wood chips that filled the schoolyard.

“It felt horrible,” he recalls. “All these other kids are having a ton of fun on the playground, and you’re just sitting there in your wheelchair.”

Then John’s classmates decided to raise money for a playground where all kids could have fun. He was all for it. 

Fair Play 

The plan began in 2022 with teacher Betsy Julien. She pointed out the problem to her fifth- and sixth-grade students. She asked for their help in raising money to buy an accessible swing and merry-go-round. The kids loved the idea. They didn’t think it was right that students with disabilities were left out. 

“It wasn’t fair that they didn’t get to have fun with all the other kids,” says Kari’Yanna Harrison.

The kids wanted to go even bigger. Why not raise enough money to transform the entire playground?

Tim Gruber/AP Images for Scholastic 

Hard Work 

At first, the students’ goal was to raise $300,000. They called people and businesses to ask for donations. They also held bake sales and coin drives and created flyers to hand out around town.

All that hard work paid off. The students raised $300,000 in just 45 days. But they didn’t stop there. As they shared their story, more and more people wanted to contribute. So they increased their fundraising goal. In less than two years, the students raised a whopping $1 million!

The kids even helped design the playground. They took a field trip to the factory where the new equipment was made. They got to choose the pieces and pick colors. 

Spreading Joy

The new playground was installed last summer. It includes a special merry-go-round and swing where students of all abilities can sit together. And the wood chips that surrounded the play area? They were replaced by a smooth rubber surface.

John was thrilled.

“It’s just so fulfilling to see how much of an effect this has had on everyone,” he says.

John and his classmates are now in middle school. They plan to use some of the money they raised to create an accessible play area there too. They’ll also keep spreading the word about the importance of inclusivity. 

“When I see kids with different abilities playing together, it makes me happy,” says Caleigh Brace. 

What the Glen Lake Kids Want You to Know

Don’t let other people stop you from achieving your dreams. Stay focused and you can accomplish anything. 

“Giving up is not an option,” says John Buettner.

Reaching a goal takes hard work. It may feel overwhelming at first. But breaking up a big goal into simpler tasks can be helpful. 

“Start small,” Evie LeBeda advises.

Your voice is powerful. If you see something that’s not right, don’t be afraid to speak up. 

“You’re not too young,” explains Trevor Horn.

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