Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities Accessibility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves privately funded inclusive playground for Mary Blunt Elementary
Summary
Blount County Schools approved a privately funded plan for a fully accessible playground at Mary Blunt Elementary; the project cost was estimated at $330,451.73 and will proceed once donations are secured, presenters said.
The Blount County Board of Education approved a proposal to allow Mary Blunt Elementary School to accept privately raised funds and proceed with construction of a fully inclusive playground.
Mr. Farrell, speaking on behalf of Mary Blunt, described the site as the district's largest elementary and said existing equipment—installed about 23 years earlier—fails to meet the needs of several students with physical and developmental disabilities. The proposed renovation would include a wheelchair-accessible play structure, an accessible swing set and poured rubber surfacing to improve safety and accessibility. "The total cost of the project is $330,451.73," Farrell said, adding the work will be privately funded and construction could begin as soon as the end of the school year once donations are secured.
Farrell said maintenance and risk-management staff reviewed the design and that Cunningham Recreation is the planned vendor and is on the county purchasing omnialist. Board members praised the community partnership and a motion to approve the project (conditional on funding being secured) passed by voice vote.
Board members and staff said the district supports community-led, privately funded capital projects when they meet district purchasing and safety standards.
