Heath Dudley, director of operations for Liberty Perry Community Schools, and Amy Everhart, the district irector of special education, asked the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission to help fund a fully accessible playground that would serve students and the public outside school hours. Dudley said the district has $100,000 committed and has obtained quotes ranging about $150,000 to $200,000 depending on surfacing and site work.

Amy Everhart emphasized the difference between accessible equipment and accessible surfacing: the district
ims for ground surfacing that allows wheelchairs to access all functions of the playground, not just isolated components. The presenters said a Patronosity crowdfunding match and other grant sources could narrow the gap; the materials provided to the board referenced about $80,000 in grant funds tied to certain quotes.

After discussion of TIF balances, staff said there are unencumbered funds in the MAGNA TIF, Midwest Metal TIF and the PRL (Progress Rail) TIF. Commissioner Brand moved to commit $60,000 immediately (three-way split of $20,000 each) with a contingency to provide an additional $30,000 equally split among the same TIFs if the district cannot close the remaining gap; Commissioner Henry seconded the motion. The board approved the motion by roll call and asked the district to return with fundraising updates and an implementation timeline.

Next steps: Liberty Perry will launch fundraising efforts (Patronosity campaign planned for March) and return to the RDC with an updated funding report; staff will reserve $60,000 from the three named TIFs and hold a contingency for the additional $30,000 if needed.