Community leaders unite to bring inclusive playgrounds to Eastern Pulaski Elementary

Community leaders in Winamac are coming together to rebuild the playgrounds at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School into modern, inclusive spaces for children of all abilities.

The effort is being led by Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation, the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, and BraunAbility. 

For more than 50 years, students at Eastern Pulaski Elementary played on equipment that dates to the school’s original construction in the 1970s. While there have been a few small upgrades over the decades, much of the playground equipment remains original and was built under outdated standards. 

“Our playground equipment has been very well loved, but much of it is original to the school,” said Dara Chezem, superintendent of Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation. “For too long, children with disabilities were limited in how they could participate in outdoor play. This project is addressing that gap, and I’m grateful to see our community take meaningful action.”  

That momentum began with a significant show of support from BraunAbility, which committed a $100,000 gift to launch the project.  The donation was structured as a matching gift to encourage other companies and community members to contribute, and the response has been strong. To date, just over $275,000 has been raised.  

The project holds special significance for BraunAbility, the global leader in automotive mobility solutions for people with physical disabilities, headquartered in Winamac. The playgrounds at Eastern Pulaski Elementary reflect a broader reality that accessibility and inclusion were not always considered when many community spaces were designed. 

BraunAbility founder Ralph Braun, a Winamac native who used a wheelchair, could not continue his education at the local high school because it was not accessible. 

“Ralph Braun grew up in Winamac at a time when accessibility was not the norm,” said Craig Schrimsher, president of BraunAbility. “That reality shaped who we are as a company, and it’s one of the reasons this project is so meaningful. Rebuilding these playgrounds helps ensure today’s students and future generations are not limited by the same barriers.” 

In addition to improving connection for students with disabilities, inclusive playgrounds support all children by encouraging movement, social connection, and confidence. By redesigning both playgrounds with accessibility in mind, Eastern Pulaski Elementary is extending its commitment to inclusion beyond the classroom and into daily school life. 

Eastern Pulaski Elementary already plays an important role in supporting students with disabilities by serving as the LEA for shared special education services for Pioneer, Caston, and Eastern Pulaski schools, and by hosting elementary Life Skills classes for students with disabilities. Reimagining both playgrounds as inclusive spaces builds upon that commitment by extending accessibility beyond the classroom and into everyday play. 

Beyond their impact on students, the new playgrounds will also enhance the school’s curb appeal and reinforce Eastern Pulaski’s position as a school of choice. In an era when families consider many factors when choosing where to send their children, a safe, well-maintained, and welcoming playground is a visible sign of a district’s pride and long‑term commitment to its students. While the playground is closed to the public while school is in session, it will be open during the summer. 

The "Little Warriors Playground for All Fund" has been established at the Community Foundation of Pulaski County to support this project. A generous one-to-one matching opportunity at the Community Foundation of Pulaski County will also be available through the GIFT IX initiative.  

Donations should be directed to the Community Foundation and can be made via their website, mail, or in-person. While $380,000 is needed to cover the cost of playground equipment and installation, the overall fundraising goal is $500,000 to establish an endowment fund to support long term needs and ongoing maintenance. 

From the start, the project has been designed as a true community partnership. Organizations, businesses, and individuals throughout Pulaski County have contributed both financial support and in-kind resources, and a full list of donors will be shared with the community upon completion of the project. 

“I’m incredibly proud of the collaboration behind this project and the enthusiasm it has generated,” said Leeann Wright, executive director of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. “We are seeing generous support from organizations, businesses, and individuals throughout the community. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when people come together, and this project is a great example of what it truly means to love where you live.”