New additions at Joe Cook Fine Arts Magnet School are designed to help kids find creative ways to fight childhood obesity.
When it comes to play time, Columbus Municipal School District officials are doing away with a prescribed path to follow.
“We strive in teaching our students to think outside the box,” said Cook Principal Lois Kappler, referring to a new playground for the elementary school. “And with this decision, we lead by example.”
From a Mississippi company, CMSD and Cook officials purchased new, unconventional structures — called Evos Playsystems — for the playground; the equipment is manufactured by Landscape Structures Inc. of Delano, Minn. and sold by Playscapes of Mississippi, LLC in Madison.
“The playground came to us because we”re now having a 12-classroom addition (constructed) on the back of our building and that started us looking at this new (playground) area,” Kappler explained. “It”s just amazing how it evolved. The playground is like nothing I”ve ever seen before. There”s no beginning or end, there”s no wrong way. You can get on it at any entrance.”
The new playground is designed to build upper-body strength as children balance their bodies against the forces of gravity, CMSD officials noted.
“It”s exercise disguised as play,” said Playscapes of Mississippi Vice President of Sales Max Maxwell. “Traditional playgrounds have set entrance and exit points, whereas, Evos has no scripted play and has limitless possibilities for fun.”
“Through this, (the kids) are so intrigued,” said Kappler. “What they don”t realize is they”re getting a cardio workout and an upper-body workout. It”s very creative. It”s going to be a great reward for our students that are doing well.”
In addition to two Evos Playsystems, which are comprised of gyroscopic play structures of multiple components, the playground features a basketball court, a stage area, swing sets and other equipment.
“Kids love to climb and dream, and the components of this playground will allow them so many different ways to do so,” said Maxwell.
“We were drawn to Landscape Structures equipment not only for their play and exercise value, but also because it is an art form,” said Kappler. “With this new playground, not only do we provide a safe avenue for our children to become healthier, but also introduce them to several elements of the fine arts.”
The art of movement
Cook kids also will benefit from a new state-of-the-art dance studio, featuring hardwood floors, walls covered in mirrors, ballet bars and a surround-sound audio system.
“We are very excited about our dance studio,” said Kappler, noting last year the Cook dance teacher, Courtney Langford, was forced to hold classes on the stage in the school auditorium.
All Cook students will attend movement classes in the dance studio, where Langford will teach them different dances from different genres, Kappler said.
“We take it a step further, where she knows what they”re teaching in the classroom and can (use those lessons) in movement,” she added. “All of her lessons are tied back to academics.”
“Cook Fine Arts Magnet School opened the doors to a new professional dance studio this year, designed with a raised shock absorbing maple floor, ballet bars and a professional-grade audio system,” said CMSD Superintendent Dr. Del Phillips. “The studio will bring a new level of excitement to the students” dance instruction at Cook. In addition to the dance studio, Cook also unveiled the latest in playground and fitness equipment that will be used to meet the curiosity and growing needs of our students as they learn to enjoy outdoor play.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.