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Board approves inclusive playgrounds at two elementary schools; selects Playground Specialist Inc.
Summary
After reviewing bids and consulting principals and special-education staff, the board approved Playground Specialist Inc. to build inclusive playgrounds at two elementary schools using congressional-directed funds; construction is expected in the fall pending federal disbursement or temporary front money.
The Washington County School Board approved a contract for inclusive playgrounds at two elementary schools and selected Playground Specialist Incorporated to perform the work using the vendor’s "option two" design for both sites.
Staff described a competitive IFB process that began in January with a March pre-bid conference; about 10 companies attended the pre-bid conference and six submitted proposals. Principals, special-education teachers and central-office staff reviewed designs and recommended the vendor whose option two was selected by both schools.
The superintendent and staff credited congressional-directed spending secured with the help of U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner for making the projects feasible. Project costs are driven largely by accessible surfacing that allows use by wheelchairs and walkers; staff said lead time for equipment is typically 8–10 weeks and that the division hopes to complete construction in the fall. Because federal funds may arrive later, staff said they have discussed seeking front money from the board of supervisors to avoid delays.
Board member Mr. Anderson moved to approve Playground Specialist Incorporated to construct the inclusive playgrounds at the two elementary schools; Dr. Frederick seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
The projects are designed to place equipment at school-building level so students who use walkers or wheelchairs can access play structures without separate, segregated areas. Staff said the playgrounds will include a mix of slides, sensory features and accessible surfaces to enable shared play for students with and without disabilities.
