Washington Elementary proposes $118,114 inclusive-playground to improve access for life-skills students

Washington Elementary principal Lisa Dorenzo asked the Boyertown Area School District board on May 26 to support a phased playground enhancement designed to make play more inclusive for students with mobility and communication needs. She said the school serves 33 life-skills students, including five who are non‑ambulatory, and current surfaces and pathways prevent full participation.

Dorenzo introduced Steve Compo of Recreation Resource, who described a Phase 1 plan centered on a paved pathway from the main gate to the swings, ground‑level “play values” (sensory and motor items), a wheelchair-transfer “Freedom” swing and a communication board to support nonverbal students. Compo said the design accommodates roughly 38 students in the compact area by adding play value along a routed path rather than replacing the entire surface.

The administration provided a cost breakdown for Phase 1: equipment $41,700; freight $2,491; excavation and disposal $14,400; equipment assembly/installation $16,945; and the surfacing and related work that together bring the proposal to a total of $118,114. District staff said capital reserves were the proposed funding source and discussed a fall installation timeline if the purchase proceeded quickly; lead times and installation were characterized as approximately six weeks for manufacture plus two to three weeks for installation.

Board members asked about security and durability. Mrs. Nimon asked whether the area would be fenced; administrators confirmed the play area sits inside existing fencing and said the district could gate the space for school‑day access. Mr. Upgroo asked about fence height; the discussion referenced an existing ~4‑ to 5‑foot fence. Board members also raised maneuverability for two wheelchairs on a 5‑foot path; designers said they could widen the path or provide passing zones to meet ADA considerations.

Administrators said the district will remove an older climbing structure to create more space and that a separate capital project already approved would add a six‑foot concrete pathway from a rear exit (door 18) down to the playground to improve egress and accessibility. The presentation framed the work as phased: Phase 1 (access and ground‑level play); Phase 2 (one or two larger inclusive structures next year); Phase 3 (further surfacing/connectivity improvements).

Dorenzo and staff emphasized the project’s educational value, noting inclusive play supports IEP goals for motor development, communication and social‑emotional growth. The board heard an acknowledgement that surfacing is the major cost driver and that warranties and component warranties were part of the vendor proposal.

No formal vote on the playground purchase was recorded at the legislative meeting; the board took the presentation and asked for follow‑up information including a wider‑path option and the long‑term plan map that was not shown on the slide deck. The district said staff would provide additional details after the meeting.

Next steps: administration will supply the requested long‑term plan drawing, confirm ADA minimum widths for two‑way wheelchair passage or add passing zones, and provide a finalized procurement proposal if the board advances funding from capital reserves.