Trustees consider funding A&E work to improve middle‑school recess and co‑curricular spaces including Gaga pits

A fifth‑grade student’s email asking for better recess equipment prompted Lexington‑Richland School District Five administrators on Sept. 8 to propose exploring design work to upgrade middle‑school play and co‑curricular spaces across the district.

Superintendent Dr. Ross described conceptual plans and photographs for sites at Chapin, Irmo, Dutch Fork and Crossroads Intermediate that could be improved with modest capital interventions — for example, Gaga pits, basketball courts, inclusive play areas and resurfacing. Alan Knox and operations staff reviewed conceptual drawings and said the district could pursue architectural and engineering (A&E) services to cost out options; staff emphasized that commissioning A&E work would not obligate the district to build but would provide estimates for budgeting and capital planning.

The nut graf: Board members favored starting with lower‑cost, high‑impact items (such as Gaga pits and additional outdoor equipment) and proposed surveying students and parents to identify high‑priority items; trustees also warned about maintenance and long‑term costs and suggested partnership opportunities with PTOs and community organizations.

Trustees discussed equity across schools, the importance of inclusive facilities (citing programs such as the Screaming Eagles for students with disabilities), and the need to avoid projects that create ongoing disproportionate maintenance costs. Staff said they would price A&E services for representative sites (one in each “end” of the district) and return with options that could fit into the district’s capital plan.

Ending: Administration will prepare cost‑estimates and funding scenarios for board review before any construction or renovation is authorized.