Town Votes to Replace Houghton Elementary School Playground

By Patrick J. McNally

ARTICLE 51 was submitted as a Citizen Petition by Sterling resident Stacia Hemphill, with recommendations for approval by the Finance Committee. ARTICLE 51 was also Moved by Hemphill, as she continued her years-long effort to secure the necessary funding required to cover the costs of the Houghton playground updates that she said are long overdue.
“The Houghton Elementary School playground is currently over 20 years old,” said Hemphill, as she addressed the Board. “It was placed in the early 1990’s and does not meet any of the current ADA guidelines. Lots of children have been injured over the last few years, and we’d like to replace it with something that is up to code, and inclusive for all students. The structure is a hot spot (for the kids), and it would be nice if the entire grade could play on it at one time.”
Maureen Cranson, Board Chair, also chimed in. “I support this article. Have for two years.”
As stated: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds $130,000 or any other sum, to be used to replace the current playground climbing structure at the Houghton Elementary School. Said sum to be expended by the Town Administrator with the consent of the Board of Selectmen; Or take any other action relative thereto.
ARTICLE 51 addressed the current Houghton School playground, which was installed over 20 years ago. Since then, it has become old and dated and no longer meets national guidelines concerning ADA compliance. Many of the existing structure features have become unsafe. Numerous injuries such as broken bones and sprained ankles occur every year on the monkey bars and zip line. This is even more troubling considering the structure can only accommodate half the class at a time. The proposed structure will enable the entire Houghton student body to enjoy the structure. As well, the structure will be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and therefore, no students will be excluded from its use.
ARTICLE 51 was a majority vote (more than 50% needed). With a total of 146 votes received, 123 were in favor (YES) and 23 were opposed (NO). ARTICLE 51 was passed.
Years of hard work have finally paid off for Hemphill, and for all who have supported this mission. A big development that will benefit the students of Sterling for years to come.