Capital Levy in Action: Karshner Playground Project Progresses with Major Upgrades

Significant improvements are moving forward at Karshner Elementary this summer, transforming aging, deteriorating areas into safe, inclusive, and modernized spaces for play and learning. Funded by the voter-approved 2024 Capital Levy, the project is delivering long-overdue upgrades that prioritize student safety, accessibility, and wellness. 

As of early July, all outdated playground equipment was removed. Crews are now removing the old ground cover in preparation for installing a new ADA-compliant synthetic turf system. This fall, protection surfaces will ensure safer landings and improve accessibility for students who use wheelchairs or mobility devices. 

Recently, a new five-foot-wide paved walking track replaced the outdated red cinder path, eliminating muddy feet and expanding year-round access for recess, physical education, and community use. 

The project extends beyond play equipment. The school’s hard surface play area will be fully overlaid and repaved. This 31,000-square-foot upgrade will provide a smooth, safe surface for games and outdoor instruction. 

Additional improvements include a new accessibility ramp for safer egress from portable classrooms and minor fencing enhancements to improve supervision and security. 

While these may seem like routine upgrades, they represent a strategic investment in student experience, supporting health, safety, and inclusion while revitalizing underused areas. This is exactly the kind of high-impact, student-centered work that voters made possible in approving the 2024 Capital Levy. 

For a full list of 2024 Capital Levy projects, visit www.puyallupsd.org/levy