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Marion County to pursue Little Tikes matching grant, expects tax‑credit rebate to fund new playgrounds
Summary
The board approved participation in a Little Tikes matching grant to replace aging playgrounds with accessible poured‑in‑place surfaces; district officials said they expect a one‑time tax credit rebate of about $1.841 million to fund elementary playground purchases.
The Marion County Board of Education voted to participate in a Little Tikes matching funds grant aimed at replacing aging playgrounds districtwide with handicap‑accessible poured‑in‑place surfacing and accessible swings.
Superintendent Chris Brady and staff said quoted playground costs were roughly $1.44 million for the work under consideration. Presenters described refurbished donation options for removed equipment and said the new designs would increase accessibility and serve up to about 100 students in main play areas.
Brady told the board the district expects a federal tax credit rebate tied to earlier geothermal work at Calvary that the district anticipates will total approximately $1.841 million; district staff said those tax‑credit funds will be used to fund the elementary playground purchases. A staff presenter said procurement and ordering timelines could allow installation over the summer or into early August for some sites, with the goal of having playgrounds ready for the 2026‑27 school year.
"It's a big need that we have and...to be able to do this at this time with our tax credit...it's going to be fantastic," Brady said.
Board members asked about removal and donation of existing equipment; staff said a vendor will remove equipment at no cost and refurbish it for reuse elsewhere, which the presenters described as a cost‑saving and community benefit. The board approved the motion to participate in the grant program.
