Board approves Ardenwald Elementary playground replacement, citing ADA accessibility
Summary
The board approved a $348,343 purchase from Buell Recreation to replace Ardenwald Elementary's 20-year-old playground and install turf surfacing to meet ADA access standards; motion moved by Director Tam Trang, seconded by Director McVay and passed in the recorded vote.
The North Clackamas board voted Dec. 11 to approve a $348,343 contract with Buell Recreation to replace the playground structure and surface at Ardenwald Elementary, with staff citing accessibility concerns under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Chief of Operations Teresa Neff Webster said the district's playground replacement program was created to maintain safe play structures and meet ADA requirements. "Currently, majority of our playgrounds have manufactured wood fiber chips, and so the students aren't even able to get onto the playground to enjoy time with their friends," she said. Staff proposed mandatory turf surfacing and three structure options adapted to the site.
Board members asked why Ardenwald was prioritized. Neff Webster replied the current structure is about 20 years old, was not replaced in the last bond program, and that some students with ADA needs could not access the existing surface. The facilities and risk-management teams, along with site administrators and therapists, reviewed finalist designs and found the selected option met access and safety standards.
Director Tam Trang moved to approve the purchase from Buell Recreation in the amount of $348,343; Director McVay seconded. The chair called the vote and the motion passed (vote recorded as 6-0 in the transcript).
Staff said the district had planned for two playground replacements annually but is scaling to one per year because of rising equipment and installation costs; Ardenwald will be the first in the adjusted schedule.
