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Riverside PTO lays out $1.2 million plan for universally accessible playground; seeks community fundraising and grants
Summary
Riverside PTO presented a three‑phase plan to build a universally accessible playground at Riverside Elementary with a $1.2 million goal, plus interim purchases for preschool (VPK) equipment; the district and PTO said they will pursue grants, local partnerships and a community build to lower costs.
Members of the Riverside PTO presented the board with a three‑phase fundraising and build plan to create a universally accessible playground at Riverside Elementary.
PTO representatives Misha Freeman (secretary), Alicia Pringlemeyer (president) and Kiri Gorgas (treasurer) described a phased approach with immediate, funded purchases for a 2–5‑year‑old play area (in time for the district’s VPK/preschool program next fall), a second phase to add universally accessible play structures and a third phase to add features such as an adaptable zip line. The group said they had a fundraising goal of $1,200,000 to build the full vision and would place any excess in an endowment through the Brainerd Foundation for long‑term maintenance. "Brainerd Lakes area does not have an accessible or universally accessible playground anywhere," Freeman said; PTO volunteers told the board the playground would be available to the broader community outside school hours.
The PTO said it has secured some initial funding: roughly $150,000–$170,000 earmarked for the preschool (PK‑plus) phase and district capital funds had been set aside for prior playground work (the district reported a $150,000 per‑site discretionary allowance previously). The PTO described plans for a May fundraising dinner, grant writing this summer, and a community "wood‑chip party" for volunteers to install surfacing. Board members and staff cautioned about maintenance needs, winter accessibility and surface choices; the group discussed "pour‑in‑place" surfacing (concrete‑like ADA surfacing) and its higher cost but longer life, and said they would explore donations of concrete and coordination with local contractors. Director Randy Heidman and others suggested looking at examples in Proctor and other communities and applying for grants; district staff confirmed collaboration on selecting accessible equipment.
The board heard the presentation and staff indicated continued collaboration as the PTO pursues fundraising and final design.
