Pictured: Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal with partners from Hope for Hall, Norfolk Southern, and Hall County at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newest all-inclusive playground at Sandra Deal Elementary School.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in making a positive impact in the communities where our railroaders live and work. This month as part of our “Grants on Track” series, we’re featuring the Hope for Hall, a 2023 recipient of the Norfolk Southern Thriving Communities Grant. Through our program, the nonprofit was awarded $150,000 for the equipment, site prep, and installation of a new inclusive playground in Gainesville, Georgia. In September, Director Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact Kristin Wong and AVP Government Relations Conner Poe attended the unveiling of the new playground at Sandra Deal Elementary School.

“We are proud to support this important initiative and contribute to inclusive play for all children,” said Director Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact Kristin Wong “Seeing this playground come to life at Sandra Deal Elementary School is a reminder of the power of community partnerships, and we are excited to witness the joy it will bring to families in Gainesville for years to come.”

Pictured: Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Norfolk Southern AVP Government Relations Conner Poe and Director NS Foundation & Community Impact Kristin Wong, and Hope for Hall representatives.

This playground holds special significance, not only because of its inclusive design but also because of its location at a school named in honor of Georgia’s late First Lady, Sandra Deal. Mrs. Deal dedicated her life to helping children learn and fostering childhood literacy. It is a small way we can honor Mrs. Deal’s legacy of nurturing young minds while creating a fun, engaging environment for all the children of Hall County.

The new playground offers an exciting, sensory-rich experience for children. With features like a rubber surface foundation, a roll-on spinner, a sensory play area, and a side-by-side zipline with harness seats, it’s a space where every child can explore, laugh, and thrive. What makes this project even more special is the train-themed structure with eight sensory panels—designed in recognition of our partnership.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Caroline Filchak, founder of Hope for Hall, celebrated the partnership:

“We want to thank Norfolk Southern for partnering with us, on this playground, and for their generosity. The custom train-themed structure turned out beautiful, and we hope that people will always remember that there are children at Sandra Deal Elementary School laughing and playing, who have historically been sidelined, because of Norfolk Southern’s kind generosity.”