MOSES LAKE—In an effort to bolster the safety and well-being of students, Knolls Vista Elementary School has completed the installation of a new security fence around its playground. The project, a collaborative endeavor involving local businesses, community members, and school staff, aims to provide a safer environment for students during recess and other outdoor activities. 

"From day one, I noticed that the city park adjacent to our playground attracted individuals who posed potential risks for our students, especially kindergartners," Adam Sawyer, the former principal of Knolls Vista and now the Assistant Executive Director of Safety and Well-Being for the Moses Lake School District ,said.  

Sawyer spearheaded the initiative. Having served as principal for over four years, Sawyer witnessed firsthand the challenges that an open playground presented, particularly concerning the presence of local adults near the school grounds. 

In response to these safety concerns, Sawyer collaborated with several partners — including Cortez Fencing, Group 14 Technologies and local parents — to finance and execute the project. A grant from the Moses Lake Home Depot provided all of the funding, covering materials for the fencing. 

"It was a tremendous community effort," Sawyer said. "Home Depot committed almost $10,000, which was crucial in getting the materials we needed." 

The project not only included constructing a fence around the playground but also securing the back area of the school where students participate in various educational programs. Sawyer praised the local fencing company, Cortez Fencing, for their expertise and commitment to the project. Sawyer said the company didn’t even charge for the installation.  

“They made a three-week project into two days of efficient and professional work,” he said. “Their support meant everything to us.” 

In addition to Cortez Fencing, the Knolls Vista staff, Group 14 Technologies and several dedicated parents joined in to assist with the installation.  

“We had several parents participate over the two-day construction period. They recognized the importance of this initiative and were willing to give their time to help ensure our students' safety,” Sawyer said. 

The threat posed by uncontrolled access to the playground was evident in past incidents. Sawyer recounted situations where unaccompanied adults frequented the area, sometimes appearing intoxicated or in a state of disarray. 

“We had adults that looked like they weren’t in the right mind walking straight through during school hours with students present,” he said. “This was alarming, especially with young children around.” 

The newly constructed fence is expected to significantly enhance the safety of the students.  

“This will provide not only stronger security but peace of mind for our staff,” Sawyer said. "With the fence in place, we can now allow the kids to enjoy the playground without the constant worry of outside distractions." 

Sawyer also highlighted the importance of addressing the design of the Knolls Vista campus, which features classroom doors that open externally.  

“Our school layout has always raised concerns because the classrooms are situated in a way where individuals could easily wander in,” he said.  

The new fencing acts as a deterrent, creating a designated and secure area for students to play while minimizing the risk of outside interference, he explained. 

With the project completed ahead of the school year, Sawyer is optimistic about using this experience as a model for enhancing safety measures in other schools within the district.  

"We're looking at ways to replicate what we’ve done here at Knolls Vista in other elementary and intermediate schools,” he said. “The collaboration we witnessed in this project is a testament to the dedication of our community to ensure the safety of our students.” 

The positive reactions from parents and the community have been overwhelming, Sawyer said.  

“Many parents approached me with expressions of gratitude for improving security at the playground,” Sawyer said. “They didn’t realize how open and vulnerable it was, and now they can see the difference a fence makes.” 

    Next year, Knolls Vista Elementary students will not have to worry about random people and dogs entering the playground during recess. Now, there is a fence providing a barrier for unwanted visitors.
  

    People at Cortex Fencing, Group 14 technologies, Home Depot, Knolls Vista Elementary staff and local parents pose for a photo after a hard day's work. The group of volunteers managed to install the fence in just two days.