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Aldermen hear Lehi Street school playground pitch as part of $1.6M supplemental appropriation
Summary
School leaders asked the Board of Aldermen to approve $247,386 from a $1.6M supplemental appropriation for a rebuilt playground; presenters said the total estimated cost is about $254,406 and the school has raised $25,000. Aldermen debated separating that line for a standalone vote.
School officials told the Nashua Board of Aldermen on July 27 that a rebuilt playground at Lehi (sometimes transcribed as “Ledge”) Street School would cost about $254,406 and that the school committee has raised $25,000 toward the project. "We're passionate about our students and our community," said Michelle Mills, a teacher at Lehi Street School, describing a multi-year effort that began in 2022 to relocate the playground to a safer back field.
Tim Cummings, director of administrative services, presented R-26-048, a supplemental appropriation just over $1.6 million meant to close out fiscal-year accounts and fund several ready-to-proceed projects. "This is something we do regularly at the end of the year," Cummings said, noting the package includes the playground line. Sean Smith, plant operations director for the schools, said the price estimate includes equipment, shipping and rubber surfacing to meet accessibility requirements: "We're looking at about $159,000 [equipment] and rubber surfacing ... for a total of $254,406," he said.
Several aldermen asked whether the playground line could be removed from the omnibus appropriation and voted on separately. "Can we take this out of the $1,600,000 and vote on that separately?" Alderman Johnson asked, citing concern that bundling forces members to accept multiple items together. Vice Chair of the budget review committee (Alderman Senate) and other members said that a committee-level motion could separate items for more detailed review, but that removing a line could trigger another public hearing depending on procedure.
Supporters stressed equity and accessibility: presenters said the project would add handicap-accessible surfacing and improve playground space for a school where about 78% of students are economically disadvantaged. "Our vision is encouraging children to engage in collaborative, safe, and enjoyable play," Michelle Mills said. Board members also asked public-works and fire officials to confirm site access and long-term maintenance plans before final approval.
The playground request remains part of R-26-048 for further consideration in the budget-review process.
