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College Park approves $50,000 grant for Monarch Preschool playground renovation
Summary
The City Council approved a $50,000 allocation from the business retention and attraction program to fund rehabilitation of the Monarch Preschool playground. Monarch staff said the work is needed for accreditation indicators and to expand outdoor learning; permits and equipment are ready and construction can begin when weather allows.
The College Park City Council approved a $50,000 allocation from the city’s business retention and attraction program to fund replacement and rehabilitation of playground equipment at Monarch Preschool College Park, operated by The Children’s Guild Alliance.
Monarch staff told the council the playground is necessary both for students’ social‑emotional and gross‑motor development and to meet outdoor‑learning indicators tied to early‑childhood accreditation. Director Krissy Taylor said Monarch has expanded enrollment and professional development efforts and is pursuing a Maryland EXCELS improvement; the preschool reported 50 families enrolled currently with 24 families living in College Park and said total renovation costs for the site exceed $1.2 million.
Economic development staff presented the request and said permits and equipment are in place and the project could start quickly once weather permits. Councilmembers and residents who spoke supported the allocation; Joy Miller, a Monarch teacher, said the children “need it” and described the playground as important for play and learning.
The council voted in favor of the $50,000 allocation. Monarch staff said the playground will be available for community events when the preschool is not using it and committed to acknowledging the city’s support on site. Construction is ready to begin once weather and scheduling permit; staff said they will coordinate a ribbon‑cutting once the work is finished.
