TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District is one step closer to improving the playgrounds at the district’s elementary schools and Meridith-Dunbar Early Childhood Academy.
Improvements at seven school playgrounds were approved by voters as part of TISD’s 2022 Bond proposal. District officials presented those approved plans for the playground improvements and enhancements to the TISD Board of Trustees during the board’s meeting Monday evening (February 13). The project, estimated to cost $2.9 million, will replace, refresh and/or expand the playgrounds at the included schools based on their longevity. The projects call for new equipment to include shade structures, inclusive items for special needs students and improved safety surfacing. Some of the projects will also include relocating the playgrounds, moving some existing items that will remain in use and improving access to the playgrounds over uneven terrain.
“This is exciting on many levels, but for me personally, the process of involving our families during the design phase was most rewarding. TISD administration learned that there is a difference between playgrounds that are ADA compliant and ones that are truly inclusive. These playgrounds will meet both standards,” Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of Temple schools said. “TISD thanks our community taxpayers and our parents, for providing the resources and input necessary to build playgrounds serving all children, well into the future.”
The district collected feedback from a committee of district administrators, campus administrators and parents – to include those with special needs students – during the design process. That committee also provided feedback on equipment elements of the playground structures to help ensure inclusivity for all students.
“We received great feedback from the parents and administrators during the design process and this was a tremendous learning experience for us in terms of what should be included in the plans,” said Kent Boyd, assistant superintendent of facilities and operations for Temple ISD. “We are excited to be moving forward with this project because it will touch every student at each of those campuses. The enhancements and improvements will include newer and updated equipment, will improve safety for our students and will also make these playgrounds more inclusive for all of our students. We are very grateful for the voters who approved these projects as part of the 2022 Bond proposal.”
The design and plans for the improvements were developed by PlayWell Group, working closely with the design committee of district and campus administrators and parents. To see the full plans for each of the playgrounds, please use the following link: 162727-94ae1ade-d2d9-44e2-a527-6b0bbedecffd.pdf (edl.io).