El Campo ISD discusses ADA-accessible playground for Northside Elementary; board sets March target for plan

Board members discussed a proposal Oct. 29 to install ADA-compliant playground equipment at Northside Elementary, part of an effort to provide inclusive outdoor play for students of all ability levels, including those using wheelchairs.

A district staff presenter described the site options and said the Northside campus has not had playground equipment for more than 30 years. The presenter said an existing fenced area used by the special education department could serve as a foundation for new equipment but emphasized that any installation must be ADA compliant and accessible by a paved route, not wood chips.

Board members and staff discussed costs and funding. Participants noted grant opportunities that could cover 50% to 100% of a project and advised obtaining multiple vendor quotes and involving staff who write grants. Several board members cautioned against an aggressive November or December timeline because of competing district priorities; the board agreed to target March for presenting cost estimates and funding options so installation could occur over the following summer if approved.

Board members also discussed coordination with the district's school reconfiguration: the fourth- and fifth-grade campus move to Hutchins planned for August 2027 may change which grades need which equipment on Northside. Staff said they would involve campus teachers and special education staff to design equipment appropriate to the expected first- and second-grade population and to evaluate reusing equipment from Hutchins where feasible.

The board did not take a formal vote on the playground proposal; members directed staff to gather estimates, explore grants, and return with recommendations by the March target.