Council approves web-fund grant for Westside Elementary to replace aging playground

The Reedsburg Common Council voted to approve a web-fund grant request from Westside Elementary after Principal Jackie Quaker told the council the school's central playground is at the end of its useful life and has been deemed unsafe.

"This is not a playground equipment that we want to add cosmetics to. It is actually we have to tear it down. it is the end of its lifespan and has been deemed unsafe at this point," Jackie Quaker said, identifying herself as the principal of Westside Elementary in the Reedsburg School District.

Quaker said the school was seeking an $80,000 replacement and would commit to a 25% local contribution. During council discussion, staff and council members clarified fund balances: one participant said the web fund balance was $227,000 with $100,000 already committed, leaving about $127,000 available; another council member noted the application request from the school was for $60,000 from the web fund.

Councilmembers stressed the partnership between the city and school district and noted heavy community use outside school hours, with one councilmember saying the location is fenced, secure and heavily used by families. After a motion by Peterson and a second by Schulty, the council approved the grant request by voice vote.

Quaker said the replacement would improve safety, increase inclusion for students with disabilities and better serve the school's expanding 4K program, which will use the playground throughout the school day. The school indicated two vendor quotes were comparable and that one vendor could install the equipment as soon as July or August.

Next steps: Staff will process the web-fund award and work with the school on scheduling and vendor coordination; the council packet noted available web-fund balance and prior commitments.