Play With A Purpose: ISKL's Two New Playgrounds

At ISKL, learning and play extend well beyond the classroom, and with the school’s additional play areas for Elementary and Middle School just unveiled, students have access to even more exciting spaces designed for activity, imagination, and social growth.

In the Elementary School (ES) division, the new Kanopi Kourts have been designed to complement The Kanopi – a rooftop playground featuring swings, forts, a flying fox, and rope bridges. The covered Kanopi Kourts have been designed for flexibility, creativity, and collaboration, enabling students to play multiple games and sports simultaneously, including basketball and soccer, regardless of the weather.

“Research indicates that well-designed school play environments do more than just provide recreation; they also support cognitive development, social-emotional learning, and student well-being,” shares Julie Olson, ES Principal. “Play spaces like the Kanopi Kourts empower children to move, explore, collaborate, and think creatively; key elements of ISKL’s School-Wide Learning Results.”

ES Teaching and Learning Coordinator, Paige Emerich, adds, “The Kanopi Kourts provide the space to enhance gross motor coordination, balance, agility, and spatial awareness in our ES students through dynamic play and sports. The space promotes core physical literacy: running, jumping, dribbling, passing, and shooting, which aligns with ISKL’s Physical Education goals. It also offers authentic opportunities for conflict resolution, inclusion, and leadership, and supports well-being and belonging as it is a positive outlet for energy, stress, and connection with peers.” 

Emerich added that the rooftop design and greenery promote a calm, fresh-air environment, contributing to mindfulness and overall well-being, which reflects the school’s commitment to sustainable design and integrating physical activity with environmental awareness.

Over in Middle School (MS), students are enjoying Panther Park, a new outdoor area designed specifically for their more adventurous developmental needs. The play area, which is conveniently located next to their deck, offers climbing structures for challenge and open areas for games or relaxation, enabling students to recharge and support their well-being and focus.

“Panther Park gives us space just to be ourselves and unwind between classes,” shared Sienna J. (’32), an MS student. “It’s nice to have somewhere to hang out and stay active with friends.” The space was designed to encourage imaginative, cooperative, and unstructured activities where kids navigate the space and their interactions.

ISKL’s MS Teaching and Learning Coordinator, Michael Foxmann, shares how the new playground supports students' social, emotional, and physical growth: “Whether they are simply hanging out, developing parkour skills, or playing tag, it's a welcoming space for all kids. This is why the playground buzzes with activity before school, during lunch, and after dismissal. Plus, it's just super fun!” 

Both new additions to ISKL’s 25-acre campus have been shaped by educator and community input and were officially named by the students themselves. The spaces reinforce that play is integral to learning – as students laugh, climb, and connect, they’re also learning about teamwork, independence, and shared discovery – experiences that last beyond the playground.

Interested in learning more about ISKL’s facilities, exploring the campus, or taking a 360-degree virtual tour of the playgrounds? Check out the campus map and take a look at ISKL’s state-of-the-art spaces.