Putnam County Schools swapping traditional chutes and ladders with stones and logs to provide pre-K students with a unique outdoor environment.
Putnam County Schools Deputy Director Tim Martin said the district is opening bids for the project at the new Early Learning Academy. Martin said the construction package includes a basic design with several additional options that can be added if funding allows.
“This playground will be different,” Martin said. “It is a natural playground, so it’s going to be made with natural stones and logs and rocks and things like that, rather than the playground equipment that you’re used to seeing out there. So it’s just meant to give those pre-K kids a little bit different experience and help them develop.”
Martin said two companies attended a pre-bid meeting at the site and were expected to submit proposals. The system has a budget of some $75,000.
“It’s a play space, but it’s also a teaching space,” Martin said. “So that’s a little bit different than when kids are out on a swing set or a merry-go-round or something like that.”
Martin said the installation process is expected to take about two weeks once the board approves a builder. Martin said the project requires a customized installation because workers must construct specific features rather than simply setting pre-fabricated equipment.
“In a normal playground, you’re going to be coming in and just setting the different pieces,” Martin said. “In this, you’re actually going to be constructing different things… it’s a lot more of a customized installation.”
Martin said the goal of the natural design is to inspire learning while students are playing outside. Martin said the district is working to complete the final steps of the project to ensure the Early Learning Academy is ready for students.
“We’re just trying to get this early learning academy open and trying to button up the last few steps here so we can have this thing open for the start of school next year,” Martin said.
