Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions as we anticipate the purchase and installation of new playground equipment.
Why was the Natural Playground deemed unsafe?
The natural playground does not meet Metro ADA standards, the tunnel creates opportunities where the view is obstructed for supervising teachers, and the fall area around the hill and large boulders are not cushioned enough since rain frequently washes away all of the mulch.
Where will the new playground be located?
The new playground will replace the existing natural playground's footprint. The structure and swings will be the primary components with most likely some open space to evaluate a phase two in future years (zipline, climbing tower, obstacle course, etc.) - or to leave open for football/soccer if that's what our kiddos want and need!
How will we know that the new playground is safe?
The new playground will meet all of Metro's safety requirements, including a substantial layer of mulch to provide cushion from falls. The mulch will be secured in place with borders to prevent rain from washing the materials away.
How big will the new playground be?
The primary playset structures range in size between 4,500 sq ft and 5,500 sq ft.
Can we have slides? What will they look like?
Yes! See the more detailed renderings added to the PTO website here: New Playground. Each option includes two slides. The Burke playgrounds (options 1 and 2) include a straight one with a fast decent and a spiral one. The Playworld playground (option 3) includes two that are more 'wavy or curvy' in different heights.
What is the additional amount needed to be able to get the zip line now?
Approximately $20k-$25k, depending on the final design.
Might we be able to raise some additional funds for the zip line?
Several of you have expressed interest in donating towards a zip line, and we are so grateful for this community’s generosity. We have received thoughtful feedback and alternative suggestions, however, that we feel should be fully evaluated before deciding to move forward with this specific feature. Concerns raised include increased supervision and management challenges for our teachers, durability and maintenance inquiries, limited capacity, and safety logistics. Alternative suggestions, including from our kids in grades 3 – 5, that would serve more than one child at a time include an obstacle course, monkey bars, and net climbing structure. We are excited to continue exploring the best options to support our families and staff for this specific space in the future.
Will there be any shade components?
The current designs do not include any features that provide shade, but a number of responses indicated that there is a strong desire for that. If we cannot fit that into this current budget, we feel it should be a priority for next year’s fundraising efforts.
Will there be any trash cans or locations for coats/backpacks?
Like the shade component question, the current designs do not include these features. We will work with Admin to try to source these items upon completion of the playground.
We have some physically challenged students, will there be anything that is easily accessible to them aside from the one swing?
Each playground design is currently going through preliminary review with MNPS to verify that they are ADA compliant. With playgrounds, ADA compliance often comes down to interpretation of the ADA standards, but we can say that each manufacturer has strived to make these designs as inclusive as possible. A small example is the ADA ramp that will be used to access the playground. Also, as part of the playground designs, several of the accesses to the structures are ground-level and designed specifically for children who are mobility impaired. The Quote Comparison Chart highlights some of the ADA/inclusive elements from each design, including elements that may assist with regulation needs for certain students.
Will we be removing the stumps and rocks?
Yes, the plan is to haul those off with the installation of the new playground. If anybody is interested in a commemorative Waverly Belmont tree stump, we’re happy to set it aside J
Can we have a net/rope climbing structure?
Both Burke designs currently have multiple net structures included in the renderings shown on the New Playground website.
Will the new playground have similar drainage issues to the current Natural Playground?
We did speak with the vendors about this issue during site visits. We are confident that a leveled, raised mulch bed with full borders will allow rainwater to seep through and exit the playground without washing the substrate away. Should we experience drainage issues early on, we discussed the possibility of adding a French drain to assist in drainage.