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Mosinee board commits $600,000 to replace deteriorating elementary playground
Summary
After extended public comment and board debate about accessibility, costs and fundraising, the Mosinee School District board approved a $600,000 district commitment from Fund 46 to replace the elementary playground; the playground committee will apply its funds and donor contributions to cover overages or reduce the district share.
The Mosinee School District Board of Education voted to commit $600,000 from Fund 46 to replace the elementary‑school playground, approving the motion after extended public comment and internal debate.
Superintendent Greg presented vendor estimates and a fundraising update, saying the playground committee had raised about $63,000 and secured a grant “a little over $25,000.” He told the board the committee had reduced a prior cost estimate and was asking the district to commit $600,000 as the base contribution while committee funds would cover any overage. “The ask is that the board, commits to $600,000,” Greg said during the presentation.
Board members weighed several alternatives, including engineered wood chips and poured‑in‑place rubber, but committee members and public commenters pressed for an inclusive, turf‑based surface that would allow children with mobility needs to use the equipment. A 4K teacher, Heather Trakte, urged the board to choose a “fully accessible playground with surfacing such as turf,” arguing that wood chips or pea gravel would exclude some students.
Trustees also debated timing, the district’s broader capital plan and whether committing the full amount would discourage outside donors. One motion to commit $300,000 and continue fundraising failed on a roll call vote; a subsequent motion for the full $600,000 passed. The roll call recorded five yes votes and two no votes on the final motion.
District staff said the project would keep the existing playground footprint and that vendors estimate a 6–7 week lead time for main materials and a short installation window; final excavations and site work could change demo estimates once the site is exposed. The presenters also noted the playground replacement is already listed on the district’s 10‑year maintenance plan and is eligible for Fund 46 financing.
The board directed administrators to continue donor outreach and to coordinate a timeline that minimizes student disruption during installation. The playground committee said remaining overages will be addressed from committee funds and new donor commitments, and any leftover donor funds would reduce the district contribution.
