Blackhawk PTO asks Burlington school board to partner on an all‑inclusive playground

Blackhawk PTO leaders presented an all‑inclusive playground plan to the Burlington Community School District board on March 9 and asked the district to partner on grant writing and consider matching funds.

At the meeting, PTO founder Amy Weiner said the PTO has grown and has prioritized an inclusive playground so "every child belongs." She told the board that Blackhawk has 331 students and "9 of the students need wheelchair‑accessible equipment," and described current barriers on the existing wood‑chip surfacing that keep some students from participating.

PTO president Brandy Hall said the group has expanded from three to about 13 members and has opened a secondary grant account to fund the project. Hall asked for district assistance with competitive grant applications, including guidance from the district grant writer and facilities staff on installation and long‑term maintenance needs.

Superintendent Scott said the district is developing a 10‑year plan to invest in elementary playgrounds across four schools and that board support could come as phased projects and matching dollars. Scott warned that total renovation for a whole school might approach "somewhere in that ballpark" around $300,000, and that smaller pieces — including one quoted play unit with surfacing — were estimated by the PTO at about $47,000 including installation.

Board members and district staff discussed phasing, grant timing and maintenance. Scott and staff recommended funneling grant applications through the district grant writer so the district can evaluate installation costs and long‑term upkeep before accepting awards. The board did not make a funding decision at the meeting; Scott said the item will return on a future agenda with more detail on phased options, projected costs and potential match policies.

Next steps: PTO representatives were invited to meet with the district grant writer and facilities staff to refine grant applications and to return with a phased proposal and cost estimates for board consideration.