Resident urges Robbins to leverage $42,000 donation for inclusive playground

Summer Mack, a school social worker, told the Robbins commission she strongly supports building an all-abilities playground in town and said the Ellie Jean Project has pledged $42,000 toward the effort. Mack said an inclusive playground would remove barriers so children of different physical and developmental abilities can play together and stressed the broader community benefits: more outdoor activity, family gathering space and improved social connections.

Mack described a local example: a Northmore student who petitioned the town for soccer goals at Milliken Park and, after success, led peers to use and care for the space. She said the $42,000 donation is not sufficient for a fully accessible playground and urged commissioners to consider town funding, available reserves, and grant opportunities to scale the design and construction. Mack delivered five letters of support from early-childhood teachers and principals to town staff for the record.

Mayor and commissioners responded that staff had resubmitted paperwork for a previously discussed $200,000 grant and that a contractor bid came in substantially below earlier estimates; the mayor noted the town could consider FEMA refund funds as one possible source. Mack’s request was entered into the public record and will be available to staff as they pursue funding and bids.

No formal decision was made; the commissioners discussed next steps and paperwork resubmission for grant consideration. Staff will include the public input and support letters as part of any funding package or procurement process.