Playground FAQ's
Why does the playground need to be replaced?
The current playground has served the community well. It has been well maintained and has outlived it's projected lifespan by five years. Although the playground looks functional, pieces have been removed each year, and most likely will continue to be dismantled piece by piece in the coming years, to meet with new safety standards. What remains is not what was built 25 years ago and is limiting our youngest students. Additionally, the playground is not accessible to students with special needs.
What will happen to the old playground? Can pieces be auctioned off or purchased?
According to Leathers & Associates, the structure was originally built to be one solid piece and it was not designed to be structurally sound once it is taken apart. Therefore, they strongly discourage disassembling the playground for moving it to an alternate location. Additionally, the Saratoga Springs City School District, which owns the playground, will not allow the pieces to be purchased, sold, auctioned or given away for liability reasons.
When will the current playground be dismantled?
The current playground will need to be dismantled about two weeks before the playground build so that the site can be prepped for the build. Based on our anticipated build date, the old playground will need to be dismantled around mid-May 2013.
How is the new playground going to be funded?
The playground will be funded by the generous support from the community through fundraisers, sponsorships and grants. The Saratoga Springs City School District is not funding this project through budgetary means.
Are donations and contributions to our playground fund tax deductible?
The project falls under an independent 501(c) 3 status.
How much will the new playground cost?
Leathers & Associates has given us an estimate of $150,000 to replace our current playground with a new comparable playground. The estimate includes materials and designer fees. Because this is a community built playground, we will be saving money on labor fees. If we were to value the proposed playground to include materials, designer fees and labor for an outside company to assemble, it is estimated that this playground would cost around $400,000.
How long will the new playground last?
With today’s materials & proper maintenance, Leathers’ playgrounds can last at least 25 years.
Do I need to have construction experience or tools to help build the playground?
NO!! Everything you need to know will be taught to you "on the job" and tools will be provided.
Can my children help too?
There will be jobs for everyone! Children ages 10-12 are allowed to be on the build site with adult supervision. Younger children will be able to help with playground projects at a safe location. Childcare will be provided on location for younger children.
How can a playground built by volunteers be safe and professional?
Leathers & Associates has been assisting communities with community-built projects for more than 30 years. Its construction system has been proven over time to be both safe and volunteer friendly. Additionally, Leathers’ volunteer-built structures are designed and constructed with strict adherence to all applicable nationally recognized playground safety standards and guidelines.
What materials will be used to construct the new playground?
The playgrounds are built with a combination of plastic composite lumber and arsenic-free treated wood. The composite material, with the look and feel of wood, is used for most contact surfaces, such as decking and handrails.
Does the playground meet the latest safety standards and accessibility (ADA) guidelines?
Yes, the designs conform to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines, American Standards for Testing Materials (ASTM) and Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), all industry standards.
