DYSART – The Union Community School District will install a new playground at Dysart-Geneseo Elementary School the week of August 12.

To cover the full cost of the playground, members of the Dysart-Geneseo Playground Committee fundraised approximately $200,000 dollars through private donations and grants. In addition, the district allocated $100,000. The playground will measure 97 feet by 60 feet and feature a poured in-place surface.

Equipment and installation will cost approximately $179,000 and the new surface will cost around $110,000, plus installation.

“We have multiple students with physical limitations due to disabilities and mobility issues. With our current playground equipment and surface, they are not able to participate as well as they could–or at all,” Dysart-Geneseo Principal Derek Weber said. “This new playground will provide a sensory-rich environment that enables all students to develop physically, socially, and emotionally. We’re extremely grateful for everyone who contributed to this amazing effort.”

“The district is tremendously grateful to the members of the committee and numerous others who helped financially or with their time and talents to make this a reality. All current and future students will have a tremendous playground due to their efforts,” Superintendent John Howard said.

Cardinal Construction will lead the installation process in collaboration with Boland Recreation, Hatch Grading & Contracting, and Schares Landscaping. Hatch will begin by grading the area. Boland will then install the equipment while Schares establishes the perimeter. Finally, Hatch will pour a four-inch subbase over the area and Boland will pour the in-place surface.

To keep up to date with the project’s advancements, visit www.union.k12.ia.us/schools/dg-elementary/.