The Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education approved a construction management agreement with Nicholas and Associates and accepted multiple summer 2025 playground bids, awarding primary work and alternates to E. Hoffman Inc., of Lombard, Illinois.

The facilities consent agenda included: hiring E. Hoffman Inc. to renovate playgrounds at Weesbrook and Whittier elementary schools for a total of $387,955.60; alternate bids to relocate an existing Gaga pit and install a second Gaga pit at Weesbrook (for $23,125 and $19,965 respectively); a concrete bike pad and two bike racks at Whittier ($7,615); relocating a Gaga pit at Whittier ($11,155); and building a new concrete pad and relocating an existing bench at Whittier ($2,015). The district’s Business Office will directly purchase playground equipment and additional safety surfacing.

The board also approved a construction management agreement between CUSD 200 and Nicholas and Associates (exhibit materials previously reviewed by legal counsel), which district leaders said will support the coming phases of playground and broader middle school capital work. Administrators noted that the district is entering the later phases of its playground-replacement plan and expects two more summers (2026 and 2027) to complete playground replacements districtwide.

Board members and staff noted community partnerships: Weesbrook Elementary raised additional funds to add features to its playground, and the Carol Stream Park District obtained a grant for nearby Pleasant Hill Park improvements that will complement school projects.

Why it matters: The approvals move planned playground improvements into procurement and construction, commit vendor dollars, and place the district on a timetable to complete playground replacements over the next two summers.

Votes and next steps: The facilities consent agenda passed by roll call; staff will coordinate construction schedules, equipment purchases and community access to completed playgrounds.

Ending: Board members asked clarifying questions about the scope (including “what is a Gaga pit?”) and were told the game structure and typical appearance; staff expressed confidence that the chosen vendors and contract terms would deliver the planned work.