Congdon Elementary Playground Space Debated
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DULUTH - Concerned parents spoke out at Tuesday night’s Duluth School Board meeting about what they says is lack of playground space for their kids at Congdon Park Elementary.
They're worried recent construction, as part of the district's Red Plan, may actually be taking away play space, ultimately affecting the students' health.
One parent went as far as taking out a spread in the paper, citing concern with what might be lost and urging other citizens to ask the school board to reconsider plans at Congdon.
The elementary school off Superior Street serves one of the largest populations of kids, but because of new additions like kindergarten rooms there may be less playground room than even before construction began.
Parents stress that space is necessary as a health and learning necessity for kids.
“Physical activity plays a crucial role in improving the learning ability and development of children and should be available to every child at the school, said Sue VanOss, part of the school's PTA.
Sara Vallie, a Congdon parent, said, “Let’s not forever change the landscape of what the neighborhood and the community and this school has come to know when they drive by.”
“It does take a process. It’s going to take meetings. We can’t all be left at the last minute, two days before not sure what’s really happening, said Sue McClernon, a concerned parent.
After hearing from the public, Duluth Superintendent, Bill Gronseth answered questions regarding the play space, saying a retaining wall, which would create space, can be discussed at a later time because it doesn't impact the progress of the building's foundation.
Gronseth has requested a more detailed plan for a retaining wall to be built and the board agreed to have further discussions on finding ways to create money for it.
