- Student input helped shape the $507,000 playground, creating more opportunities for children of all abilities to play and connect.

- The playground builds on Rivercrest's commitment to student well-being, belonging and community pride.

- A $400,000 contribution from Cypress Creek Energy, along with support from Ag for Autism and local and state funding, helped bring the district's vision to life.

WILSON, Ark., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rivercrest School District, together with Cypress Creek Energy and other partners, today celebrated the grand opening of its new inclusive playground at Rivercrest Elementary School. Students, educators, families and community partners gathered for a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of a place where children of all abilities can play, explore and grow together.

The thoughtfully designed playground reflects Rivercrest's commitment to helping every student find a place to belong. Its features include wheelchair-accessible equipment, accessible swings, sensory elements and pods, reading nooks, and a merry-go-round designed to accommodate students with different mobility needs.

"This playground started with a simple wish: to give a student an opportunity to experience the joy of a swing," said Shantele Raper, superintendent of Rivercrest School District. "Our teachers saw what was possible, our students helped shape the vision, and our partners helped us bring it to life. Now we have a place where children of all abilities can play together, build friendships and feel included. That means so much to our students and their families."

The idea took root during a field trip to a nearby community, where teachers saw how accessible playground equipment created a meaningful experience for a student with special needs. A request for a swing grew into a broader effort to create a playground that would serve students with a range of abilities and interests.

Students played an active role in the design. The district surveyed students and selected ambassadors from each grade level to review playground options and represent their classmates' ideas. Their input helped shape a space with opportunities for active play, sensory exploration and quiet moments.

Cypress Creek Energy contributed $400,000 toward the playground, with Ag for Autism and additional local and state funding helping make the project possible. Cypress Creek announced its contribution in July 2026 at the groundbreaking of its Steel River Energy Center, alongside a $3 million community commitment for Mississippi County.

"Rivercrest's teachers and students brought this playground to life with a clear vision for what every child should be able to experience," said Kevin Smith, CEO of Cypress Creek Energy. "We're proud to help make that vision a reality. As we build the Steel River Energy Center and become part of Mississippi County, we have a responsibility to contribute to the community's future. Supporting its children and schools is one of the most meaningful ways we can do that."

The playground is part of Rivercrest's broader focus on student well-being and a welcoming, secure school environment. The district is also installing automated gates around school driveways, supported by a $100,000 donation from Moss Construction and additional support from Cypress Creek Energy.

These partnerships bring together local schools, Cypress Creek Energy and the companies helping build its Steel River Energy Center near Wilson. The project is being built with Arkansas-made structural steel and 100% U.S.-made solar panels.

"Cypress Creek genuinely cares about partnering with us, and we see that commitment in the difference they're making for our students," Raper added. "They're also bringing other partners into the effort, helping turn shared goals into real benefits for our school community."

For Rivercrest, the new playground advances a mission that reaches beyond the classroom. From pre-K through graduation, with more than 1,200 students enrolled, the district combines a strong academic foundation with athletics, band and other opportunities that help students discover their interests, develop their abilities and succeed.

Serving rural communities across roughly 400 square miles of Mississippi County, Rivercrest is also a gathering place where families connect through shared traditions and pride in their children's accomplishments. The new playground carries that spirit forward, creating more ways for students to participate and belong.

Clare Quirin, [email protected]

SOURCE Cypress Creek Energy

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