Board approves multiple playground upgrades; district plans pour-in-place surfacing and equipment replacements

The Transylvania County Schools board voted on March 17 to approve playground improvements at multiple elementary schools, including a selected proposal for Rosman (K–2) and a separate approval for Boulevard Elementary School.

Presenters described outreach to parents, teachers and students; one presenter said students were given sticker votes and teachers completed polls to help choose equipment styles. Board members and staff discussed durability, accessibility, and surfacing choices, with a shared interest in pouring-in-place surfacing to replace loose-fill mulch.

District presenters said vendor proposals ranged in cost. One speaker noted county funding of about $500,000 previously allocated to Rosman Elementary; proposed vendor packages for larger scopes were “around the $400,000 range,” and the presenter said some of that $500,000 could be used to replace a smaller pre-K playground surface as well.

District staff recommended Blue Ridge Playgrounds for a surfacing-and-swing replacement package at Brevard Elementary after reviewing three proposals. The presenters said one vendor (Bars) submitted a lower bid but did not provide comparable detailed plans or site visits; other vendors provided a more complete scope including surfacing areas and layout changes.

Board members discussed flood risk at stream-adjacent sites and the expected lifespan of surfacing; presenters estimated a 20–30 year lifespan for some surfacing types if major flooding does not occur. A suggestion to add bollards or other debris controls was discussed as a possible local work item.

Motions to approve the Rosman proposal and Boulevard Elementary proposal were made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Board members noted that if selected options exceed existing county funding, staff would need to request additional funds or reallocation from the county.