New Lenox School Board Reviews $500,000 Nelson Campus Playground Proposal

Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | August 2025

Article Summary: The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education reviewed a proposal to partner with the New Lenox Park District to replace two aging playgrounds at the Nelson campus. The project, estimated at $500,000, would be split evenly between the two entities, with a potential construction date in the summer of 2026.

Nelson Campus Playground Proposal Key Points:

• The school district and park district would share the estimated $500,000 cost, with each contributing $250,000.

• The project would replace playgrounds at Nelson Prairie and Nelson Ridge schools that are over 25 years old.

• Board members discussed enhancing the project with more handicap-accessible features, such as poured rubber surfaces and specialized equipment.

• The board took no action and will reconsider the proposal for approval in September after receiving estimates for the requested additions.

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, held a preliminary review of a proposed partnership with the New Lenox Park District to replace the playgrounds at the Nelson school campus. The project carries an estimated total cost of about $500,000, which would be shared equally by the school and park districts.

Jason Sterritt, the district’s Director of Organizational Planning & Facilities, and representatives from the New Lenox Park District presented the proposal, which targets a construction date in the summer of 2026. Mr. Sterritt explained that the current playgrounds at Nelson Prairie and Nelson Ridge schools are over 25 years old, and obtaining parts for repairs has become increasingly difficult.

The park district would manage the bidding and project oversight, with the school district reimbursing its $250,000 share. Business Manager/CSBO Robert Groos noted that any additional features not included in the standard project, such as poured rubber surfaces or specific ADA-compliant equipment, would be an extra cost for the school district.

Board members expressed support for the project while also focusing on improving accessibility. Board member Bill Pender asked about the planned ground surface, which was confirmed to be mulch. He then inquired about the cost to make the entire surface poured rubber, a more accessible option, and suggested he “liked the idea of having the whole playground wheel-chair accessible.”

Member Al Haring expanded on this, asking if more handicap-accessible pieces of equipment were included in the plan. He referenced recent updates to the Haines/Oakview playgrounds, which were enhanced with more accessible features to serve the special education programs housed there. Dr. Motsch, Superintendent, clarified that the district paid for those specific improvements as part of a district-led initiative.

Mr. Haring suggested that as a community standard, all updated playgrounds should include more accessible equipment. “It is his thought as we update our playgrounds to have more handicap accessible equipment included, for community use and closer access for people,” the meeting minutes recorded.

In response to the board’s feedback, Mr. Sterritt and the park district representatives agreed to get estimates for the additional equipment and a fully rubberized surface.

The board took no formal action on the proposal. Mr. Groos stated the topic would be brought back to the board at its September meeting for further discussion and consideration of approval, with the new cost estimates included.