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Waterford board approves elementary playground contracts despite calls for facilities utilization study
Summary
Trustees approved multiple contracts to install and upgrade playgrounds at six elementary schools, funded by the 2020 bond. One trustee opposed, citing a lack of a current facilities utilization study and declining enrollment; other trustees said the contracts fulfill bond commitments and equipment can be relocated if needed.
The Waterford School Board voted to award contracts to install and renovate elementary school playgrounds at six schools using 2020 bond proceeds, approving multiple bid packages despite objections from one trustee who urged a facilities utilization study before spending.
What the board approved: Two bid packages were approved for playground work across multiple schools. For BP25-03A (Cooley and Haviland), the board approved awarding Michigan Recreational Construction Inc. $356,800 for playground equipment installation and Jacqueline Contracting LLC $449,000 for site work (total $805,800). For BP25-03B (Schoolcraft, Riverside and Knudson), the board approved Michigan Recreational Construction Inc. $495,650 for equipment installation and Jacqueline Contracting LLC $649,000 for site work (total $1,144,650). The board also approved the purchase of playground equipment through GameTime for $1,528,200; funding for the work is from the 2020 bond.
A trustee (Member Patricia) opposed the motion and asked the board to delay, saying the district has not completed a recent facilities utilization study and noting empty seats and declining enrollment in some schools. "Without that, I need information. I can't support putting more money into buildings that might not be here in a few years," Patricia said, citing previous closures and earlier investments in buildings later closed.
Other trustees argued the work was included in the bond language voters approved in 2020 and that equipment can be relocated if future consolidation occurs. Administrative staff described the site-work scope: removal of existing pea gravel, installation of drainage (drain tiles), demolition of existing equipment as needed, temporary fencing and preparation for engineered wood fiber surfacing; playground installers will relocate or reinstall equipment and provide warranty and reinspection following installation.
The motion to approve the playground contracts passed on a roll-call/hand vote recorded in the meeting as six in favor and one opposed.
Ending: Trustees agreed to pursue a facilities-utilization study as a board-level discussion item to be scheduled at a Committee of the Whole (CAL) meeting; administrators said playground work must follow an aggressive schedule so installations can occur over the summer.
