District hears proposal for Measure S playgrounds emphasizing inclusive "beach/ocean" theme

Redondo Beach Unified School District staff and a vendor presented conceptual designs March 24 for playground replacements at elementary campuses funded by Measure S and discussed phasing, procurement and maintenance.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Nat Alpern and Superintendent Dr. Nicole Wesley introduced Mark Ethel of Dave Bang Associates (EarthScape), who walked the board through an "ocean/beach" theme, inclusive play elements and materials choices. "The terms inclusivity and ADA are often used interchangeably, but they're not the same," Mark said, explaining the five inclusion pillars — physical, sensory, imaginative/cognitive, cooperative and risk — the company used in the design approach.

Design details included a timber tower (about 24 feet high) with rope climbers and a 10‑foot slide, linked obstacle‑style apparatus, and defined hangout/restorative spaces beneath structures. Mark described proposed wood species (including Alaskan yellow cedar) and said those materials can have lifespans of about 25 years while requiring routine maintenance checks. He said swings require substantial footprint area (roughly 24 by 32 feet for two swings) and that not every site could accommodate multiple swing bays.

Board members and staff discussed procurement options (co‑op agreements like CMAS/Sourcewell), phasing across the district's eight elementary campuses and budget constraints that may influence features such as shade structures. Staff said principals and site leaders have been consulted about site‑specific designs and that the district will return to the board with a formal recommendation and finalized pricing.

No action was taken; the presentation was informational and staff indicated they will come back with a recommendation and budget for formal approval.