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William Penn SD will remove Evans playground equipment; staff seeks grants to reimagine the site
Summary
District staff said the Evans playground was closed after an inspection and the district plans to remove the equipment (estimated cost $3,500) using grounds‑repair funds; staff and board members discussed grant options and cautioned against duplicative spending if a future gym is built.
Mister Deans told the board that after a safety inspection the Evans Playground was closed and staff recommends permanently removing the playground equipment for student safety. “We decided to shut down the Evans Playground,” he said, and staff estimated removal costs at about $3,500 with funds available in the current grounds repairs budget and work planned to be completed before winter break.
Dr. Beechertz told board members she has identified grant opportunities and has sent information to facilities and operations to support updating the location, including public–private partnerships. “I have sent to the facilities and operations department information on grants that are available in partnerships with different companies,” she said.
Board members asked whether a reimagined space might still include playground equipment; staff said the district will engage the school community in planning and “nothing is off the table.” Mister Tong cautioned that staff should avoid spending to install equipment that could later conflict with plans to add a gym, urging coordination so funds are not spent twice.
Next steps: staff will begin removal work, pursue grant options, and involve the school and community in developing a plan for the site. The board did not record a formal vote in the transcript; the removal was presented as an administrative decision with budgeting authority noted.
