college community schools playground upgrade project fall ... · college community schools...

College Community Schools Playground Upgrade Project

Fall, 2007

Educational Design Specifications for Playgrounds The purpose of this document is to identify the educational specifications for College Community Schools’ proposed playground improvement projects. Its intent is to present a brief overview of the playground program requirements necessary to meet the learning, developmental, and recreational needs of the students. It also documents the district’s desire that its playgrounds support the goals, priorities, policies, and practices of its schools. This document serves as an expression of what the district values by articulating specific playground design recommendations.

District Vision and Mission The vision of the College Community Schools is Success for ALL! Its mission is to: Ensure quality learning today for tomorrow.

Values and Beliefs about Playgrounds

Consistent with its vision and mission, a strong enduring focus for the design of its playgrounds is best expressed through the following eight (8) values. All design decisions should support and facilitate the successful implementation of these values.

Educational Value Belief Statement Safety for All • We believe that safety must be the main concern in

playground design, supervision, and maintenance. Full Accessibility • We believe that all children must have access to the

physical, social and recreational benefits of a well designed playground.

Age Appropriate • We believe that children have different needs at different age levels.

• We believe that students are ready for different physical challenges at different ages.

• We believe that the age of playground users impacts safety. Physical Fitness • We believe that a playground should provide activities that

promote fitness. • We believe that a playground should provide physical

challenges commensurate with age and ability. Social Interaction • We believe an important developmental aspect of play is

peer interaction. • We believe children learn many social skills through play,

including fairness, communication, and making and keeping friends.

Outdoor Classroom • We believe that a school playground should be an outdoor classroom that supports the education program of the building.

Choices/Options for Play

• We believe that children benefit from having choices/options when they play.

Fun and Enjoyment • We believe that one of the major purposes of play is fun! A well-designed playground must be fun.

Recommended Value-Based Design Actions

Educational Value: Safety for All Recommended Design Actions:

1. Design playgrounds that meet or exceed all current and relevant regulations and guidelines.

2. Design so as to eliminate blind spots and supervision barriers. 3. Create supervision zones and plans to ensure adequate supervision of all areas of the

playground. 4. Create and post rule signage and consistently enforce playground safety rules. 5. Create physical and implied barriers for each play area. 6. Develop and implement comprehensive inspection and maintenance protocols.

Educational Value: Full Accessibility Recommended Design Actions:

1. Locate equipment so it is accessible to all children from multiple access points. 2. Design/select equipment that is accessible and interesting to all children. 3. Install surfacing materials that allows accessibility while providing a safe landing/fall

area. 4. Select equipment that will encourage meaningful play experiences for all children. 5. Provide play choices to all children – including those with disabilities.

Educational Value: Age Appropriate Recommended Design Actions:

1. Provide equipment that is age appropriate. 2. Design “play zones” for each age group. 3. Provide product safety labeling/signage that clearly identifies the age that can safely

use the play equipment. 4. Design with the target population in mind as far as emotional, social, intellectual, and

physical development of each child. Educational Values: Physical Fitness Recommended Design Actions:

1. Provide age-appropriate playground equipment of different sizes and types so as to maximize physical benefits to the child.

2. Provide physical challenges for the entire body – all different muscle groups, balance, vestibular, and cardiovascular.

3. Provide safe, open areas for team play. 4. Provide equipment that moves – like swings. 5. Provide a variety of activities that will appeal to all students in order to promote the

exertion of energy to improve learning and behavior. Educational Value: Social Interaction Recommended Design Actions:

1. Design areas for group play/games. 2. Create gathering areas to promote social interaction. 3. Incorporate cooperative games in the design of the playground. 4. Design multiple ways for children to engage with one another. 5. Include designs that spark imaginative play.

Educational Value: Outdoor Classroom Recommended Design Actions:

1. Provide outdoor spaces that encourage creativity and imagination. 2. Provide activities that encourage hands-on investigation of the nature. 3. Provide activities that extend/support the topics studied in the classroom – such as

motion, gravity, counting, spelling, science and geography. Educational Value: Choices/Options for Play Recommended Design Actions:

1. Provide free space on grass and hard surfaces 2. Provide equipment that offers multiple age-appropriate activities.

Educational Value: Fun and Enjoyment Recommended Design Actions:

1. Design with children in mind. 2. Plan for children of all abilities. 3. Involve children in the design of the playground.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PROJECT NAME: Prairie Ridge Elementary Playground Project

PROJECT NO: 07256

CLIENT NAME: College Community School District

DATE: April 16, 2008

PROJECT LOCATION: Cedar Rapids, Iowa College Community School District in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is seeking proposals for a Playground Company to provide design build services for a new playground located at the Prairie Ridge Elementary School building. The project objectives developed by the School District are listed in the following paragraphs. Also included are the following attachments:

1. Education Specifications 2. Prairie Ridge Playground Master Plan 3. Project Location Plan 4. Site Photos

Please submit your proposal, in writing, by April 30th, 2008 to: Name: Stacey Hanley at OPN Architects, Inc. Address: 200 Fifth Avenue SE, Suite 201, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Phone/Fax/E-Mail: 319-363-6018/319-363-7349/[email protected] Project Description: The Prairie Ridge Elementary Playground Project will include the new construction of a paved surface area, playground area with accessible safety surfacing, and culvert/land bridge to existing recreation field to the north. This playground will need to be designed for children in grades 3 – 5 and able to accommodate approximately 85 -100 students at one time. The following is a list of required project elements:

• Exceed current accessibility and safety standards • Swing set with at least (1) supportive swing seat • At least 1/3 of the playground safety surfacing (with the exception of the swing set

area) shall consist of a smooth-surface product such as ‘Poured in Place’ or ‘Rubber Tiles’ or approved equal.

• Conformance to Education Specifications (see attached). • At least (2) design meetings with Prairie Ridge Elementary playground committee to

review the proposed playground design. Although site photos are included, a visit to the site is strongly encouraged to fully understand all the existing site features such as topography and utilities. All site visits to the school campus will need to be arranged through Duane Carver with College Community Schools. Duane may be reached at (319) 533-5447. The proposed budget for the Prairie Ridge Elementary Playground Project is $73,500. Proposal Format: Please format your proposal to include the following:

1. A written proposal that includes your company’s design philosophy. Please discuss in detail how your company addresses the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of all children.

2. A written statement speaking to your company’s approach to safe playground design

as well as your documented safety record.

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3. A written statement speaking to your company’s approach to accessible design. How does your company incorporate accessible and zero barrier design into their philosophy, designs and equipment?

4. A proposed playground design layout and proposed list of playground equipment for

the area indicated on the Playground Master Plan. Please explain how the selected design and equipment achieve the goals of your company’s design philosophy as well as the client’s expectations.

5. Product warrantees.

6. Project Estimate broken down into two versions:

a. Turn Key Project b. Complete project using volunteer labor for equipment assembly under the

supervision of the equipment company.

7. A list of project references including contact information for projects in central/eastern Iowa.

8. A list of grants or other gift money that this project and College Community Schools

may be eligible to receive.

9. Unit prices for proposed surfacing options.

10. A current product catalog.

11. Proposed Project Schedule for Summer 2008 construction addressing the milestones established below:

a. Earliest start date for on-site work is June 9th. b. Project Completion date of August 15th.

Attachments: Education Specifications Prairie Ridge Playground Master Plan Project Location Plan Site Photos

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PROJECT NAME: Prairie View Elementary Playground Renovations Project

PROJECT NO: 07256



PROJECT LOCATION: Cedar Rapids, Iowa College Community School District in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is seeking proposals for a Playground Company to provide design build services for playground renovations at the Prairie View Elementary School building. The project objectives developed by the School District are listed in the following paragraphs. Also included are the following attachments:

1. Education Specifications 2. Prairie View Playground Master Plan 3. Project Location Plan 4. Site Photos

Please submit your proposal, in writing, by April 30th, 2008 to: Name: Stacey Hanley at OPN Architects, Inc. Address: 200 Fifth Avenue SE, Suite 201, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Phone/Fax/E-Mail: 319-363-6018/319-363-7349/[email protected] Project Description: The Prairie View Elementary Playground Renovations Project includes the renovation of the existing elementary school playground to increase safety, accessibility and educational opportunities for all children. Suggested improvements are indicated on the attached Playground Master Plan and include (but are not limited to) the installation of accessible surfacing, new play equipment, preservation of existing play equipment, new swings and low retaining walls. This playground will need to be designed for children in grades 2-5 and able to accommodate up to 100 students at one time. The following is a list of required project elements:

• Exceed current accessibility and safety standards • Swing set with at least (1) supportive swing seat • At least 1/3 of the playground safety surfacing (with the exception of the designated

swing set area) shall consist of a smooth-surface product such as ‘Poured in Place’ or ‘Rubber Tiles’ or approved equal.

• Conformance to Education Specifications (see attached). • At least (2) design meetings with Prairie View Elementary playground committee to

review the proposed playground design. Although site photos are included, a visit to the site is strongly encouraged to fully understand all the existing site features such as topography, utilities and existing equipment. All site visits to the school campus will need to be arranged through Duane Carver with College Community Schools. Duane may be reached at (319) 533-5447. The proposed budget for the Prairie View Elementary Playground Renovations Project is $85,000. Proposal Format: Please format your proposal to include the following:


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2. A written statement speaking to your company’s approach to safe playground design as well as your documented safety record.

3. A written statement speaking to your company’s approach to accessible design. How

does your company incorporate accessible and zero barrier design into their philosophy, designs and equipment?














Attachments: Education Specifications Prairie View Playground Master Plan Project Location Plan Site Photos

NPCG – PO Box 506 – Carlisle, IA 50047 – 866-345-6774 www.playgroundcompliance.com - [email protected]

Prairie Ridge Elementary (Grades 3-5)

Area Consists of:

1. One Age appropriate composite structure w/ground level events and shade roof (2464) 2. Multiple ADA Access points with sidewalk

TOTAL AREA PRICE: $62,500, plus freight and ADA access sidewalks


Prairie View Elementary (Grades Pre-K to 1st)

Area Consists of:

1. One Age Appropriate Composite Structure w/roof shade (1089 sq ft) 2. One Age Appropriate Ground Level Structure (704 sq ft) 3. Full Tile Surfacing to cover use zones and ADA access for all equipment 4. Fencing

Total Tile Surfacing for ADA access (1793 sq ft) TOTAL AREA PRICE: $39,069, plus freight and Fencing


Prairie View Elementary (Grades 2-5)

Area Consists of:

1. One main composite structure with ground level events and shade roof (1344 sq ft) 2. One fitness cluster (1056 sq ft) 3. 5 bay Swings with ADA seating (10 total swings) 4. Tile Surfacing under existing Miracle equipment (1900 sq ft) 5. Full Tile Surfacing to cover use zones and ADA access of all Play equipment and one bay of swings (504 Sq ft)

Total Tile Surfacing Area for ADA access and use zone (4804 sq Ft)

TOTAL AREA PRICE: $86,898, plus freight

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PROJECT NAME: Prairie View Elementary Preschool / K-1 Playground Renovations Project

PROJECT NO: 07256



PROJECT LOCATION: Cedar Rapids, Iowa College Community School District in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is seeking proposals for a Playground Company to provide design build services for playground renovations at the Prairie View Elementary Preschool / K-1 playground. The project objectives developed by the School District are listed in the following paragraphs. Also included are the following attachments:

1. Education Specifications 2. Prairie View Playground Master Plan 3. Project Location Plan 4. Site Photos

Please submit your proposal, in writing, by April 30th, 2008 to: Name: Stacey Hanley at OPN Architects, Inc. Address: 200 Fifth Avenue SE, Suite 201, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Phone/Fax/E-Mail: 319-363-6018/319-363-7349/[email protected] Project Description: The Prairie View Elementary Preschool / K-1 Playground Renovations Project includes the renovation of the existing preschool / K-1 school playground to increase safety, accessibility and educational opportunities for all children. Suggested improvements are indicated on the attached Playground Master Plan and include (but are not limited to) the installation of accessible surfacing, new play equipment, and fencing. This playground will need to be designed for children in preschool and grades K-1 and able to accommodate up to 50 students at one time. The following is a list of required project elements:

• Exceed current accessibility and safety standards • At least 1/3 of the playground safety surfacing shall consist of a smooth-surface

product such as ‘Poured in Place’ or ‘Rubber Tiles’ or approved equal. • Conformance to Education Specifications (see attached). • At least (2) design meetings with Prairie View Elementary playground committee to

review the proposed playground design. Although site photos are included, a visit to the site is strongly encouraged to fully understand all the existing site features such as topography, utilities and existing equipment. All site visits to the school campus will need to be arranged through Duane Carver with College Community Schools. Duane may be reached at (319) 533-5447. The proposed budget for the Prairie View Elementary Preschool / K-1 Playground Project is $41,500. Proposal Format: Please format your proposal to include the following:


2. A written statement speaking to your company’s approach to safe playground design

as well as your documented safety record.

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3. A written statement speaking to your company’s approach to accessible design. How does your company incorporate accessible and zero barrier design into their philosophy, designs and equipment?














Attachments: Education Specifications Prairie View Playground Master Plan Project Location Plan Site Photos

PRAIRIE VIEW ELEMENTARY - MASTER PLAN OF PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS

PRAIRIE PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONS04_16_08

NOT TO SCALE

NEW SWINGS w/ REQUIRED

USE ZONE LOCATED OVER

ENGINEERED WOOD FIBER

SURFACING. ACCESSIBLE/

SUPPORTIVE SWINGS

LOCATED OVER RUBBER

SURFACING.

EXISTING

PAVEMENT

PRE-SCHOOL/K-1 PLAYGROUND w/ NEW AGE-

APPROPRIATE COMPOSITE PLAY STRUCTURE,

ACCESSIBLE SURFACING, AND GROUND LEVEL

PLAY EQUIPMENT w/ FENCED BOUNDARIES.

EXISTING COMPOSITE

PLAY STRUCTURE

NEW PLAY AREA w/ EXISTING

AND NEW COMPOSITE PLAY

STRUCTURES OVER ACCESSIBLE

SURFACING, SUPPLEMENTED w/

ADDITIONAL GROUND LEVEL

PLAY EQUIPMENT

NEW PLEXIGLASS

BALL BOUNCE WALL

EXISTING

PAVEMENT

EXISTING BASKETBALL HOOPS

NEW AND EXISTING TETHERBALL -

VARIED HEIGHTS

EXISTING TEETER TOTTER

EXISTING BALANCE BEAM

NEW HIGH

PARALLEL BARS

NEW SWINGS w/

REQUIRED USE ZONE

LOCATED OVER

ENGINEERED WOOD

FIBER SURFACING.

NEW LOW RETAINING

WALL TO MITIGATE

GRADE CHANGE

EXISTING PARALLEL BARS

RELOCATED

FUNNEL BALLS -

DIFFERENT

HEIGHTS

ACCESSIBLE

CONCRETE SIDEWALK

TO PLAY FIELDS

NEW LOW RETAINING

WALL TO MITIGATE

GRADE CHANGE

NEW ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT

BASKETBALL HOOP

NEW SOCIAL SPACE/OUTDOOR

CLASSROOM W/ SHADE

STRUCTURES ON PAVED

SURFACE

PLAY FIELD OVERLOOK -

PAVED SURFACE

NEW COMPOSITE

PLAY STRUCTURE

PRAIRIE VIEW ELEMENTARY

PRESCHOOL/K-1 PLAYGROUND

RENOVATIONS PROJECT

PRAIRIE VIEW ELEMENTARY

PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONS

PROJECT

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