Wildhorse grant helps Gib Olinger Elementary students experience the power of play
By Terry Murry on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MILTON-FREEWATER – (News release from InterMountain Education Service District) Gib Olinger Elementary School will bring healthy and inclusive play, using Playworks Pacific Northwest’s (PacNW) data-driven recess system, to the entire student body of Gib Olinger Elementary with a $6,900 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation.
Playworks PacNW promotes physical activity, improves mental health, leadership skills, conflict resolution, attendance rates, and academic readiness for elementary school children. Playworks research consistently shows that high quality recess and structured play are powerful drivers of healthy child development. Playworks’ school partners consistently report lower levels of isolation among their students, less screen time, and fewer discipline issues on Playworks playgrounds.
A grant from Wildhorse Foundation will help Gib Olinger Elementary staff engrain the Playworks methodology into campus culture, creating systemic change in the way their playgrounds function. During the 2026-27 school year, Playworks PacNW will provide two consultative visits to Gib-Olinger (one in the fall and one in the spring), as well as help educators implement the Junior Coach Leadership Program with third-grade students.
Each year, the Wildhorse Foundation offers grants to eligible nonprofit, government, and Tribal organizations within the homeland area of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Also eligible for funding are Tribal government agencies or Native American charitable organizations whose base of operations are within Oregon, as well as national or regional Indian organizations.
File photo of Gib Olinger Elementary School from the school’s website
