Board approves $348,775 shade canopy for Loop Elementary to expand outdoor play and learning
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Summary
The board approved a steel shade structure for Loop Elementary with a contractor quote of $348,775; the design is about 80 feet long and roughly 22–25 feet tall and was unanimously approved after questions about construction timing and drainage.
The Flagstaff Unified School District board voted unanimously on Oct. 8 to approve a steel shade (ramada) structure for Loop Elementary, a project intended to increase shaded outdoor learning and play space.
Operations staff described a contractor quote from Dave Bang for $348,775 to construct an approximately 80-foot-long structure with interior peak height of about 22–25 feet and a 15-foot eave. The proposed installation would be positioned slightly offset from existing playground equipment following a shade study so shading best matches the academic day and seasons. Operations staff said the bond oversight committee approved the purchase unanimously at its recent meeting.
Board members asked how quickly construction could begin; staff said materials orders and contractor scheduling would determine timing but that, once a purchase order is issued, standing elements would take days to a week to raise after concrete footings are set. The discussion included questions about concrete heat retention, potential rain runoff, and the feasibility of adding gutters or capturing additional water for nearby garden beds in a later phase.
Mr. DeNardi said the steel design is intended to withstand strong winds that had previously degraded a canvas-and-pipe shade in earlier years. The district noted Loop currently serves roughly 35 students and that similar shade projects at other sites are being evaluated based on local needs and natural shading.
The motion to approve the project was moved, seconded, and passed by voice vote.