District plans $7 million playground renovation for three elementaries; equipment and turf bids set
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Summary
Staff said a multi-year playground renovation program has been revised to an estimated $7 million and will focus on Aboite, Haverhill and Covington elementaries; the district will solicit five equipment vendors and two turf vendors with recommendations arriving in early April and construction starting May 28.
MSD Southwest Allen County Schools staff presented an updated, multi-year playground renovation plan that the district now estimates at about $7,000,000 after consulting playground experts.
The presenter, Randy (district staff), told the board that Context completed inventories and the district will target Aboite, Haverhill and Covington elementary schools for 2026 work. "This was a multi'year project... the initial pass was 3,250,000.00. After working with experts in the field, updating that budget number to reflect a realistic estimation would be, 7,000,000," Randy said.
What will change: The plan emphasizes safety, ADA accessibility and modern play value. Features described include perimeter sidewalks for accessible circulation, ADA-compatible composite play structures, spin/swivel devices that accommodate wheelchairs, modernized teeter-totters, group swings and turf surfacing in place of mulch mounds. Staff said gaga pits at current sites will remain.
Procurement and timing: Staff said the district will pre-vet five equipment vendors and two turf vendors to produce apples-to-apples quotes; a general contractor (GC) procurement will follow so GCs bid against recommended equipment/turf packages rather than dozens of options. Randy said equipment and turf recommendations are planned for a special board meeting on April 7, with a separate GC recommendation expected around April 14. Demolition and drainage work are slated to start May 28, with equipment installation to follow; staff warned that not all buildings might be fully operational on the first day of school depending on installation timing.
Board members asked about lead times and program access; staff replied most pre-vetted vendors have equipment lead times of roughly six to eight weeks, and some missing pieces could be installed during fall breaks if needed. The presentation noted scoring for vendor selection will weigh price and play value.
No formal procurement approvals occurred during the work session; staff will return with recommended vendors and contract language for board consideration.
