Penn Hills Innovation Institute Fellow Reimagines Play for Every Child

Penn Hills, PA – September 22, 2025 – The Penn Hills School District is proud to announce the first project in its Innovation Institute Fellows series: a groundbreaking reimagining of playground space led by Occupational Therapist Christina Stupakis.

Driven by a passion for equity and creativity, Stupakis asked a bold question: What if play could be meaningful for every student, regardless of ability? Instead of pursuing another oversized piece of equipment, she envisioned a dynamic space where imagination, collaboration, and accessibility take center stage.

That vision became reality today with the launch of Playground Blocks—large-scale, moveable blue blocks designed for outdoor play. From castles and forts to obstacle courses and towers, these blocks empower students of all abilities to design, build, and reinvent their play environment every single day.

“Our wonderful team of special education teachers, speech therapists, and occupational therapists at the elementary school has brainstormed ways to make recess more inclusive for ALL students. While some students enjoy running with their friends and playing catch on the playground, others might appreciate some downtime to be creative, and that should be celebrated, too. Big Blue Blocks enable students to be creative while fostering teamwork, developing gross motor skills, increasing attention span, and enhancing visual processing skills. We hope to continue to explore additional options for our students!” said Christina Stupakis.

The results were immediate: as the blocks rolled onto the playground, students of all ages and abilities dove in, constructing, collaborating, and imagining without limits. The playground transformed into a living laboratory of innovation, inclusivity, and fun.

Superintendent Dr. John Mozzocio praised the project as a powerful example of what the Penn Hills Innovation Institute is designed to cultivate. “Christina’s vision reflects the very heart of innovation, seeing possibility where others see limitation. This is what happens when educators are given the platform to dream big for kids.”

Principal Chris Cence added, “The excitement we saw on the playground was incredible. Students were not only engaged but also working together in ways that built confidence and joy. This is exactly the kind of creative, inclusive opportunity that helps our students thrive.”

The Penn Hills Innovation Institute Fellows program is built to support passionate educators, students, and community members who want to design bold solutions for students. Each Fellow receives a platform to bring their ideas to life in projects that will ripple across classrooms, playgrounds, and our Penn Hills Community.

With the launch of Stupakis’s playground reimagination, the District is sending a clear message: Innovation is not a department, it’s a culture.