Every day at recess, classmates at Sumpter Elementary School face a choice: play on the playground equipment, or stay on the blacktop with Juniper Adkisson.

Juniper, a wheelchair user, can't access any part of the school's playground. Her brother, Nolan Goplen, told Salem Reporter she's the most popular kid at Sumpter. Children are always coming up to her wheelchair to say hi, the outlet reported on July 29. But saying hi on the blacktop isn't the same as playing together.

Now parents and community members are raising money to build an all-inclusive playground at the K-5 school on Salem's east side, one where children of all abilities can play together. The fundraising goal is $300,000, according to social media posts promoting the campaign.

ADA-compliant, but not accessible

The existing playground technically meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards. But ADA compliance can mean a paved path leads to the equipment area without the equipment itself being usable by a child in a wheelchair. For Juniper, the result is the same: she watches from the pavement.

Students and neighbors pitch in

The campaign has drawn support well beyond Sumpter's 484-student enrollment. A "Salem's Got Talent" show was organized as a community fundraiser, with all proceeds going toward the new playground, according to a post in the Salem & Keizer, Oregon Community Group on Facebook.

Individual students are contributing, too. Aspen, a 7-year-old Sumpter student, raised $38.05 and asked whether it would be enough to build a new playground.

Her effort was highlighted in social media posts connected to the Miss Oregon for America pageant community, which cited the $300,000 goal.

A broader push for inclusive play in Salem

The Sumpter effort comes as the City of Salem separately renovates and expands the Riverfront Park playground with accessible elements for children of all abilities. That city project is scheduled to open by late summer 2026.

How to help: Organizers are accepting donations toward the $300,000 goal. Residents interested in contributing can find details through the Salem & Keizer, Oregon Community Group on Facebook.