The Dual Immersion Academy in Grand Junction will improve its play area and other outdoor spaces with a $250,000 grant from the Colorado Health Foundation.

“We are very excited about the grant, and we know that physical activity and play are so important for our students’ health and social interaction,” said Monica Heptner, principal at the Dual Immersion Academy.

“Play is when kids have that socializing time. They learn about social cues and social language. For us, play is a huge piece in considering the social-emotional learning side of a student,” Heptner said.

The new equipment won’t be just for students, though, but the community, she said.

The Mesa County School District 51 grounds department will remove the aging equipment behind the school and prepare the space for new equipment funded by the grant. The equipment will include a new playground set selected by a student vote, climbing structure and a prekindergarten playground. The prekindergarten playground will include a fence thanks to a $1,500 grant from the Lions Club.

When the new equipment is installed, the Dual Immersion Academy will offer four play zones.