Work is underway at replacing or upgrading seven District 58 playgrounds this summer. Most were complete replacements of equipment, some were minor additions due to additional state funding. The following is an update on the timing of the work. Please note that the schedules below are tentative and subject to change as the District is experiencing contractor and equipment delays.
Indian Trail – Work is currently on schedule and will be completed in time for the Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Aug. 22 at 5 p.m.
Belle Aire – Work is a little behind schedule due to a contractor issue. The Ribbon Cutting is planned for Aug. 21.
Henry Puffer – Work is on schedule but won’t be completed until the last week of August. The equipment will arrive this week and will be installed as soon as possible.
Fairmount – As planned, work at Fairmount has not yet started. Equipment will be delivered this week and work will commence shortly after that and be completed by the end of September.
Kingsley – The playground is nearing completion. Equipment has been installed, drainage is complete and rubber surfacing will be installed. The Ribbon Cutting is planned for 4 p.m. on Aug. 18.
Lester – Updates to the Lester playground are complete. With the state grant, upgrades to drainage and some new pieces on the west end were installed.
Pierce Downer – The playground is close to completion and final completion is set for next week.
District 58’s long-term goal has been to improve and renovate all of its playgrounds and ensure that they are accessible for all. The work has been funded by a combination of $1.5 million in state grants, PTA support, community fundraising and in some cases parent/staff help with labor and installation. The District has able to supplement any gaps in funding to ensure all of the playgrounds at all 11 elementary schools are updated to an appropriate standard. Not every elementary school received state funding, and the amounts allocated by the state differ from school to school, and can’t be changed.
The District’s goal has been to create playgrounds to aid all children’s development. For schools with older existing playgrounds, the work includes complete playground replacements. For schools with new playgrounds, minor improvements and additions were added.
The playgrounds are designed to help children develop important motor, social and emotional skills as well as promote physical fitness. All playgrounds are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community members for coming together to update all of our playgrounds. The District is grateful for all of the support and we look forward to countless children benefiting from the new playgrounds.