To: k-12 Building Committee
Approval of the installation of poured rubberized surface for DMS & WVSS playgrounds
With your signature, you strongly request that the Building Committee install the playground as submitted, (with poured-in-place rubberized surface).
Why is this important?
The Stonington community strongly requests that the Building Committee move forward with its approval of the planned installation of poured-in-place rubberized surfacing, as specified and recommended by the Playground Committee & Board of Education.
Months after approval some Building Committee members continue to discuss the possibility of changing the poured-in-place safety surfacing, to a loose fill alternative, citing budget and safety/health concerns.
The Playground Committee consisted of teacher representatives from each grade, Physical Education Instructors from both schools, the Director of Special Education, physical therapy professionals, Principals, and representatives from each PTO. The experience each member brought to the committee ensured a playground design that would meet all student ability, inclusion, and enjoyment needs.
Loose fill materials pose health risks with mold & mildew, have yearly replacement cost, create accessibility challenges for mobility devices, and over time encapsulate the equipment, limiting its function. Loose fill breaks down, shifts, and compacts in high use areas, losing its cushioning and safety. Additionally, changing the ground cover at this time would require a redesign on playground equipment, further delaying the state approval, purchase, and installation.
Poured-in-place rubberized surfacing is a long-term permanent installation that will save cost for the town over the life of the playground, eliminating yearly maintenance costs. The surfacing is safe, durable, easy to clean, and ADA compliant.
Please join us in voicing your support of the Playground Committee’s recommendation for a poured-in-place permanent safety surface for our new playgrounds at Deans Mill and West Vine Street Schools.
With your signature, you strongly request that the Building Committee install the playground as submitted, (with poured-in-place rubberized surface).
-Katie Quinlan, DMS PTO President & Alissa Halle, WVWBSS PTO President
Months after approval some Building Committee members continue to discuss the possibility of changing the poured-in-place safety surfacing, to a loose fill alternative, citing budget and safety/health concerns.
The Playground Committee consisted of teacher representatives from each grade, Physical Education Instructors from both schools, the Director of Special Education, physical therapy professionals, Principals, and representatives from each PTO. The experience each member brought to the committee ensured a playground design that would meet all student ability, inclusion, and enjoyment needs.
Loose fill materials pose health risks with mold & mildew, have yearly replacement cost, create accessibility challenges for mobility devices, and over time encapsulate the equipment, limiting its function. Loose fill breaks down, shifts, and compacts in high use areas, losing its cushioning and safety. Additionally, changing the ground cover at this time would require a redesign on playground equipment, further delaying the state approval, purchase, and installation.
Poured-in-place rubberized surfacing is a long-term permanent installation that will save cost for the town over the life of the playground, eliminating yearly maintenance costs. The surfacing is safe, durable, easy to clean, and ADA compliant.
Please join us in voicing your support of the Playground Committee’s recommendation for a poured-in-place permanent safety surface for our new playgrounds at Deans Mill and West Vine Street Schools.
With your signature, you strongly request that the Building Committee install the playground as submitted, (with poured-in-place rubberized surface).
-Katie Quinlan, DMS PTO President & Alissa Halle, WVWBSS PTO President