North Cook News

The Wheeling School District Board of Education received an update on plans for new playground projects this summer at Field and Riley elementary schools.

Michael DeBartolo, assistant superintendent for Finance and Operations, unveiled the playground project and outlined plans for how it would unfold during the Feb. 23 meeting, which was streamed on YouTube. He took the wraps off the project and how it would unfold.

“Tonight's really exciting night because we are rolling out the first preview of some exciting things that are going to be happening this summer,” DeBartolo told the board during the meeting. “Back in the fall, as you know, we committed to doing two playgrounds this year.”

At Field Elementary, plans call for a full overhaul, razing the old playground, which is located in a field far from the school, with a muddy field for students to cross, DeBartolo noted during the meeting, featuring a new structure will be set closer to the school, with improved safety and accessibility. He also noted it will include rubberized surfaces and inclusive swings.

“We decided to do Field’s because on our list that Glen McLean, director of Buildings and Grounds for Operations, had put together based upon age and need,” DeBartolo added during the meeting. “Field was really in need of a new playground.”

DeBartolo told the board the Riley playground design plan stresses accessibility, with the school having a number of students requiring enhanced accessibility. The playground also features sensory items, such as chimes and single-play items on the edge of the structure. He told the board the plan includes accessible swings for students who have mobility issues, and structures that enable students who rely on mobility assistance to be able to use the equipment, which will include ramps.

“Based upon the programs housed at Riley, we really needed a program that was accessible, taking into account the model that Timber Ridge has for its new playground, working with them and our consultants based upon the deaf and hard of hearing program from an NSSEO. But our home students from the LSP program, they're there as well,” DeBartolo told the board during the meeting.

The board learned during the meeting the price tag for the playground equipment would be about $450,000 with equipment to be delivered and work to commence in June or July.

The district also will be considering additional playground projects in the coming years and will pursue some funding efforts and offer chances for students and families to play a role in the development and funding, with a goal of improving the physical, social and mental health of students.