If the weather continues to be cooperative, the new playground equipment at Menominee Elementary could be in place in time for students to use before the end of the school year. The unique playground incorporates a number of activities for all children to be able to use. According to Menominee Principal Steven Boyer, the original design has been expanded to include a ramp that can be accessed by students in wheelchairs or other special mobility equipment.
The project was made possible after the school’s PTO organization accumulated some $30,000 for playground structure. Credit for the funding was attributed to the many fundraising activities over several years by parents and staff members.
The Plymouth School Corporation had already earmarked funds to pay for the groundwork, surfacing, and installation of the playground equipment.
Dave Schoof, Director of Maintenance for the school system, said, “First mulch will be removed and then the land will be excavated where the playground equipment will be installed. He indicated that the flooring of the area will be a thick layer of concrete that will be treated with a weather resistant glue adhesive to secure the ADA compliant rubberized tile.
According to Boyer, the project was scheduled for this summer, but the contractors moved up the process.
Boyer said, “Since the school houses all of the elementary-aged programs for children with severe or moderate handicaps, adding equipment that can be used by every child has been a top priority.”
Carol Anders Correspondent
