Local News

New playground among summer projects for Southern Local

SALINEVILLE - When pupils return to Southern Local Elementary School in a few weeks, they will find many things to do on its new playground, one of several improvements to the Southern Local campus this summer.

Produced by Wisconsin-based BCI Burke and sold and installed by Snider Recreation Inc. of North Royalton, Ohio, the $291,750 playground was added to the school district's campus earlier this summer.

While quite striking in bright blue and gold, the school district's official colors, it may not seem different from others at first glance.

But a step onto its grounds reveals it includes many unique features designed to provide all children, including those with special needs, a fun and safe experience at recess.

Kristy Sampson, district administrator for Southern Local Schools, noted the first thing noticed by early visitors is the seamless rubber surface covering every inch of the ground.

It's not hard to feel as though you are bouncing as you make your way across it, she noted.

Sampson said the smooth surface provides easy access for children with walkers or wheelchairs while minimizing injuries for any child who should fall on the playground.

She noted in years past, the base for the previous playground was comprised of various loose material designed to address such safety concerns.

But much of it was carried into the school building on the children's shoes, something that won't happen with the new surface, said Sampson.

In addition to a central play structure with three slides and multiple climbing bars, there also are several satellite pieces, including a set of swings, smaller jungle gym, rotating climber, play concession and market stands that can be used by children of any mobility, a set of fixed bongo drums and Nido Spinners.

The latter are fixed oval structures in which a child may sit and spin.

Sampson said they can be enjoyed by any child but also offer a refuge to some children on the autism spectrum with sensory issues that may cause them to become overwhelmed by playground activity.

With such needs in mind, the playground also includes a communication board containing icons for various emotions and needs that nonverbal children may point to when seeking support or assistance.

At each side of the playground is a Buddy Bench, where children may sit when they are tired or seeking someone to talk to.

Both playground monitors and students have received direction in approaching children who take a seat there.

At each end of the benches, as well as in other areas of the playground, are printed various math-based games the children may play.

Sampson said another popular feature of the new playground will be the large yellow canopy that will provide shade over the main structure on hot, sunny days.

Sampson said she suggested replacing the previous playground, which was about 25 years old, when a few deteriorating pieces had to be removed.

After learning the cost to replace them, she reasoned a new playground, with features for students with special needs, would be a worthwhile investment.

Sampson found a wide array of equipment is available and consulted the district's special education instructors, school psychologist and other staff for input.

The playground is just one of the projects undertaken at the Southern Local campus this summer.

As students reporting to practice for fall sports and their families well know, crews with Vasco Asphalt of Massillon, Ohio are repaving the campus' entire parking lot.

The $354,902 project will include a couple additional handicap parking spaces and creation of height-appropriate curbs.

Charlie Puckett, the school district's maintenance supervisor, said pending suitable weather and other conditions, plans call for the work to be completed the week of Aug. 17 in time for the school's Meet the Team Night and the first football game of the season.

Weeks ago, crews replaced the roof of the school complex with one with slopes and drainage structures designed to better convey rain from the building.

Technique Roofing Systems was the general contractor for the $445,838 project, which includes a 25-year warranty.

Puckett added the roof of the athletic field's concession stand also was replaced by AMG Roofing of Wellsville.

Other work this summer has included razing the former school administration building, which has not been in use since the school board staff move into the Williams Building on East Main Street last spring; and diverting a sewer line from a septic tank serving the athletic complex to the campus' wastewater treatment system.

Puckett noted school personnel perform various tasks on the campus each summer, including resealing and waxing the floors in the two gyms and hallways.

(Submitted Material)