District reviews $121,487 quote for accessible playground path at Washington Elementary

Dr. David Heiser presented a facilities-committee recommendation to the board to install an accessible play system at Washington Elementary, saying the district seeks better wheelchair access for students in the school’s life-skills program. The project presented as phase one would create a 60-inch rubberized perimeter path around the play area to allow simultaneous two-way wheelchair traffic and add surfacing and equipment to improve access to play devices.

Lisa Dorenzo, Washington Elementary’s principal, worked with staff and a vendor, Recreation Resource USA, to develop the proposal and renderings shown to the committee. The administration said the vendor originally quoted $118,114 for phase one; after a recalculation the latest quote presented to the board was $121,487, a $3,373 increase. Administration emphasized that a vote on phase one would not obligate the district to complete phases two or three.

Board members pressed for details. A member asked whether the district had estimates for phases two and three; administration said no cost estimates exist yet. Trustees also asked about grant or foundation support; the agenda included a $1,000 foundation donation earmarked for one piece of equipment, and administration said staff would pursue additional foundation or grant funding for later phases. Board members asked staff to check whether other local schools use similar adaptive equipment and to confirm the number of wheelchairs served; staff reported a small number of students use wheelchairs in the program but could not provide a definitive districtwide count at the meeting.

Administration recommended the board collect feedback on the proposed equipment and evaluate phase one after implementation before committing to subsequent phases. The item was discussed in the facilities committee and will return to the board for formal action as needed.