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Committee tables decision on Ashby Elementary playground after questions on ownership and ADA costs
Summary
The committee tabled discussion on the Ashby Elementary playground after learning an ADA complaint was filed against the town and ownership/maintenance records are unclear. Members asked the town for a detailed cost estimate and documentation before deciding whether to fund upgrades, removal or interim fencing before the October turnover.
Superintendent Morgan updated the committee that the Ashby Elementary playground is the subject of an ADA complaint and that the town administrator is obtaining cost estimates for remediation. He said those numbers will determine whether the district should help fund upgrades, remove the playground for liability reasons, or pursue other options.
"If we don't bring it up to ADA compliance, then it does have to be removed because for liability reasons," Superintendent Morgan said. Committee members sought clarity on who owns the playground (town, town committee or the school district) and whether a donation acceptance or contract exists. Lisa Bloom said the Ashby Playground Committee and/or the town likely own the equipment and that it may not be district-owned.
Committee members discussed options including (a) the district paying to bring the playground into compliance, (b) the town paying or retaining responsibility, (c) removal, or (d) an interim fix such as fencing and locking the playground until the scheduled October turnover of the building to the town. Dr. Reese noted preliminary estimates put the expected cost band for remediation (as discussed generally) and told the committee that a $3,000–$4,000 original estimate would make removal roughly half that amount, though the group emphasized deeper verification was needed. Carla Lima and others requested the committee obtain records (minutes or donation/acceptance documentation) showing whether the playground was previously donated and whether the district formally accepted it.
The chair moved to table the matter pending additional documentation from the town and the Ashby Playground Committee; the motion passed by roll call. The committee noted the October turnover deadline (cited during the meeting) and asked administration to request the town's detailed cost estimate and ownership records before reconvening the discussion.
