Wiscasset Elementary School will begin the 2016-2017 school year with new playground equipment that is age-appropriate for pre-kindergarten students. Balance beams, an imitation fire truck, a climbing wall, and more swings will be among new equipment installed in August, Superintendent Heather Wilmot told the Wiscasset School Committee on Thursday, July 28.
New fencing has already been installed at the playground, Wilmot said.
The new playground equipment was requested to accommodate students in Wiscasset Elementary School’s new pre-kindergarten program. All equipment is developmentally appropriate and designed to help students’ motor skills, Wilmot said.
The funds for the playground equipment were approved with the 2016-2017 Wiscasset School Department budget. About $20,000 was requested to add developmentally appropriate playground equipment. Fencing for the playground cost about $5,000 and was covered by leftover funds from the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
The surfacing, or cushioning, underneath the playground equipment at the elementary school was damaged, Wilmot said. It was the second incident of vandalism at the playground, as the slide was damaged to the point where it was unusable in May.
The slide was under warranty and was replaced at no cost to the school, Wilmot said. The playground company will also patch the damaged surfacing.
Due to the vandalism at the playground, Wilmot said she will soon present a proposal to the school committee to monitor the playground in the afternoon and nighttime hours when the vandalism appears to be taking place.
