The 48 playground projects are mostly completed, or at least in the advanced stages of planning. The money for these projects is coming from numerous sources, including federal COVID-19 relief funds, the building services budget, and donations. Some of the projects involve rebuilding the structures where free time and recess are held.
The school leaders feel that playtime is an important part of the developmental experience that children receive in school. Andrea Kreft, the principal for Muir Elementary, stated that:
“Muir has always had quite a few different recess times and those types of things because we know for a fact through science that exercise and movement and socialization and being outdoors in general is great for anyone's mind.”
According to Tim LeMonds, the MMSD spokesperson, 30 projects have been completed. Six projects are underway and at least nine projects are expected to start in October. Printing services could be used to create reports about the progress made on certain projects.
The projects on the list include constructing new playgrounds that will replace dilapidated structures and installing basketball hoops and shade structures. At Huegel Elementary, $73,500 of federal funding and a $100,000 donation were used to purchase new equipment for the school’s playground. The school’s students were involved in the decision-making process when designs were selected.