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Committee discusses $40,000 estimate to upgrade Beechmont early‑childhood playground; seeks grants and partners
Summary
Committee members raised equity concerns about a minimal fenced grass lot at Beechmont early‑childhood site and discussed a contractor estimate near $40,000, possible grant sources, and spring timing for any work.
Members of the Revere School Committee discussed Sept. 9 whether to invest in a small upgrade to the Beechmont early‑childhood playground and how to fund work estimated by a vendor in the neighborhood of $40,000.
Committee members said the Beechmont site is a fenced patch of grass with a broken sandbox and a wooden table, and some argued the early‑childhood area needs basic play equipment to match investments at Lincoln and Garfield. “When I say there's nothing at Beechmont, drive by Bennington Street, and you'll see it,” a committee member said.
A contractor consulted for preliminary planning gave a range and indicated “40 would be the number” for a modest, safe installation, the member said. The contractor advised that non‑climbing play pieces (sensory boards, playhouses, low-level elements) reduce the need for engineered playground surfacing; avoiding climbing structures can eliminate the cost of ground surfacing such as mulch and lower the total price.
Committee members discussed possible funding sources and partners: pursuing grants through organizations such as KaBOOM, asking local corporate partners (several members mentioned approaching neighborhood businesses and airlines that have donated to district programs in the past), and asking the district’s Ways & Means committee to consider carry‑forward or other funding. Dr. Kelly noted that early‑childhood playground expenditures may not be Chapter 70 net school spending eligible, a factor the committee should weigh when budgeting educational dollars.
Members said the project is too late to complete before winter but could be a spring priority if Ways & Means identifies funding. The committee asked district staff to collect a more detailed request from early‑childhood educators about desired features so the district can seek grants, community partners, or small capital appropriation in the next budget cycle.
