School committee approves Phase 2 of inclusive nature‑playground, aims for spring bid
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Summary
The Concord School Committee approved Phase 2 of a nature‑inspired, inclusive playground project after a design presentation from Principal Justin Sparks and CHA; the committee authorized staff to prepare RFPs for a planned summer build, with designers emphasizing accessibility and low‑maintenance plantings.
The Concord School Committee voted to approve Phase 2 of the district’s playground project after a presentation by Principal Justin Sparks and the CHA design team. The approved plan expands the recently completed main play structure to add a nature play zone with decomposed‑granite paths, boardwalks, benches, a dry rock riverbed, sand play areas and accessible features.
Principal Justin Sparks, who led the presentation, said the design grew out of two years of community engagement and student surveys and aims to create “a play space for all students that was nature inspired, inclusive, and fun.” CHA landscape architects described how community and principal feedback shaped pathways, plant selection and seating.
Designers told the committee that most pathways and boardwalks are fully accessible and that specific features—an elevated sand table and an accessible picnic table—are included so wheelchair users can participate. “The elevated sand table is the perfect height to allow a wheelchair to roll right up to it,” CHA designer Jenna Greco said while describing accessible details.
On schedule, the design team said staff will complete bid specifications and advertise in March, with the goal of selecting a contractor able to construct the work in the summer. The committee adopted a motion to approve Phase 2 so the team can proceed to the RFP process; the motion was seconded and approved with the committee voice vote of “Aye.”
Administrators and designers emphasized plant choices intended to minimize long‑term maintenance, noting trees and perennials that are drought‑tolerant and require only seasonal cleanup once established. Committee members asked questions about specific elements, including a stump‑circle seating area: designers said the logs were reimagined to leave space for wheelchair access.
Next steps: staff will prepare bid documents and return with RFP language and a recommended procurement schedule so construction can proceed in summer pending contracting.