Fulton County Schools replaced traditional mulch with rubberized play surfaces at four elementary schools this year, giving students who use wheelchairs and walkers easier access to playground equipment.

The district received two Tire Product Grants from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), a branch of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, according to a district announcement published Oct. 27. The grants funded the removal of mulch and installation of rubberized surfaces made from recycled tires.

A first grant paid for improvements at Campbell Elementary School, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in August 2024. A second grant in 2026 expanded the program to Asa G. Hilliard, Heritage, Ocee and Woodland elementary schools.

All four schools offer specialized autism and adapted learning programs that support students with physical, developmental and intellectual needs.

Marcquez Haley, principal at Woodland Elementary School, said the new surface changes what recess looks like for students with mobility supports.

"The new rubberized play surface will provide many of our students who use wheelchairs and other mobility supports with safer, more independent access to our playground spaces," Haley said in the district's announcement.

At Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School, Principal Tiambi Walker said staff members have observed students interacting more frequently across grade levels and abilities since the improvements were installed.

Heritage Elementary School Principal Tracee Ragland said the surface has been especially meaningful for students who use wheelchairs. "Our students truly enjoy the new rubberized play surface," Ragland said. "At Heritage Elementary, we want every Jaguar to experience the joy of play, friendship, and belonging."

Ocee Elementary School Principal LaTosha Gray offered a simpler review: "Our students are loving it."

The rubberized surfaces are made from recycled tires. The EPD's Tire Product Grant program was created to reduce solid waste by recovering materials through recycling and putting them to use on playgrounds, according to the City of Snellville, which received a similar grant for Briscoe Park in 2024.

Fulton County Schools serves nearly 10,000 students with disabilities across all 104 schools in the district, according to a separate district report on inclusive education published in November 2025.

The district did not disclose the dollar amounts of either grant in its announcement.