Marion Magnet School
West Memphis, Arkansas
Bliss Products and Services (BPS) Playground Project Overview
Marion Magnet Schools – West Memphis, Arkansas
Project Inception and Development
As part of its commitment to innovative education and student enrichment, the Marion School District launched a dual-campus playground initiative at two of its award-winning magnet schools. The goal was to design outdoor play environments that reflect each school’s academic focus while fostering creativity, movement, and collaboration.
Bliss Products and Services (BPS) worked alongside Play & Park Structures and Robertson Recreational Surfaces to deliver this multi-site project, which reflects both educational intent and play-based engagement. Each playground was developed with a distinct theme – arts or STEM – and equipped with durable surfacing, accessible layouts, and dynamic play structures suited to the needs of its student population.
Design and Features
The Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School playground celebrates creativity through an arts-integrated design. A custom poured-in-place surface includes a large-scale guitar graphic, providing a vibrant visual anchor for the space.
An outdoor music section allows children to engage in rhythmic exploration and group play, supporting both social and emotional development.
The Math, Science, and Technology Magnet School playground incorporates STEM-themed play elements, offering physical representations of the school’s academic focus. Climbing components and interactive features invite students to explore, problem-solve, and engage in active learning outside the classroom.
Both sites include traditional components such as slides, swings, and climbing structures, complemented by custom safety surfacing and ADA-compliant access routes. Together, the playgrounds support whole-child development by blending physical activity with thematic engagement.
District Vision and Community Engagement
The Marion School District operates a trio of specialized magnet schools, each offering a unique approach to learning. With the addition of these playgrounds, the district continues to invest in experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom while enriching the student experience.
This project reinforces the value of purposeful play as a tool for educational support and community building. To learn more about Marion Magnet Schools, visit msd3.org.
