District outlines four summer facility projects: turf, ADA access, playground resurfacing and track work

District facilities director Mr. Richards told the board March 10 that the district has identified four non‑bond summer projects that will be funded from the special building fund and possibly partially from the general fund: replacement of the turf at Foundation Field, improved ADA wheelchair access on the north side of the stadium, resurfacing the Golden Hills elementary playground, and track replacement at Papillion La Vista High School.

"Turf is built to last about 8 to 10 years. We're in... year 11," Richards said, explaining the need to replace the Foundation Field turf. He said engineers are preparing designs and the buildings, grounds and finance subcommittee will review bids and recommendations before the board decides.

On ADA access he said students in wheelchairs currently must go around to the south side of the stadium and the district is evaluating options including sidewalks, ramps and wheelchair lifts. Golden Hills playground resurfacing is targeted for late summer because playground contractors book quickly; engineers are collecting bids. Richards explained the district will replace the most deteriorated high‑school track this summer and schedule Foundation Field track work for a later summer to avoid overlapping major projects and disrupting fall athletics.

Board liaison and staff reported they discussed Golden Hills surface concerns during a liaison lunch and reassured the school that work is planned for the coming summer. Richards said the committee will return recommendations to the full board after bids and engineering details are finalized.