By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Two more Yukon elementary sites will get new school playgrounds this summer.
Yukon Public Schools will utilize funds from the 2021 bond issue to purchase new playground equipment at:
- Central Elementary School: $471,367.40
- Shedeck Elementary School: $479,690.20.
Happy Playground LLC of Tulsa will install the new modular play structures designed for students in prekindergarten through third grade.
Lance Haggard, YPS’ executive director of elementary education, recommended Happy Playground be awarded the contract over another vendor.
The two updated ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible school playgrounds will feature synthetic turf, which will replace wood fiber or pea gravel.
Central Elementary, 300 S 9th, will receive a new 50 X 50 concrete basketball court with new poles and backboards to meet the school’s specific needs.
Shedeck Elementary, 2100 S Holly, will receive a 12 X 15 outdoor stage where students can engage in creative play activities.
Haggard recommended Happy Playground based on various criteria, including price, prior experience in the industry, proximity, meeting bid requirements, qualifications, and references.
READY FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR
The YPS Board of Education approved the playground equipment purchase during its March 6th meeting.
“Mr. Haggard has done a good job gathering the bids,” YPS Superintendent Dr. Jason Simeroth said.
“The sooner we get the po’s (purchase orders) in place for that, the sooner they can order it so get that started and have it ready for the kiddos by August when we start school.”
The 2023-24 school year will begin Thursday, Aug. 17.
In summer 2022, Happy Playground installed new playground equipment and artificial turf at Skyview Elementary School and Ranchwood Elementary School.
Skyview and Ranchwood had the oldest playgrounds and greatest need for replacement among Yukon’s seven elementary sites, YPS officials said.
