Norwin school playground in line for renovations

Norwin students at Hahntown Elementary School could have a renovated playground to enjoy if the school board moves forward with plans to improve it.

The board is expected to consider a proposal on Sept. 19 to hire Pashek+ MTR, a Pittsburgh-based planning and design company, to develop a conceptual design for playground renovations and the adjacent sports court for a fee of $21,000. Based on a tentative schedule, the schematic design would be completed this fall and construction would begin next summer.

Pashek+MTR would develop the plan for playground space to accommodate 50 to 60 students from two classes of recess at a time. There could be swings, climbers, tunnels, a castle theme and equipment for students with disabilities. An open lawn area for running and games, an outdoor classroom with shade and a stage performance area also could be created.

The steep slopes around the existing playground pose a challenge in meeting accessibility standards, Pashek noted in its proposal. Space should be reserved for future development of an early childhood area and fencing around the area would separate activities, the consultant said.

Concerns about the district’s playgrounds were raised last year by the PTA committees from the four Norwin elementary schools and Hillcrest Intermediate School. The PTAs joined with the district and the Norwin School District Community Foundation, a fundraising organization, in launching the Project Playground Initiative. The PTAs set a goal of raising $600,000 to renovate the elementary school playgrounds and the one at Hillcrest.

Director Alex Detschelt questioned whether the playground would include one of the proposals from Pashek+MTR: the installation of a splash pad play space that would be open to the community on nights and weekends and during the summer.

“Kids from all around Southwestern Pennsylvania will come play here,” Detschelt said.

Pashek’s list of proposals came from brainstorming sessions and not all suggestions may be implemented in the final plans, Superintendent Jeff Taylor said.