At their Tuesday, July 12 meeting, New Fairfield’s Permanent Building Committee (PBC) members expressed frustration over significant delays to the delivery and installation schedule for the playground at the newly joined preschool through fifth-grade elementary campus. The updated schedule will not have playground equipment in place until at least late October or early November.
JCJ Architecture’s Ms. Christine O’Hare stressed that the schedule took a double hit with both supply chain delays for the equipment and a longer than expected review process at the state level. She went on to explain that the state has issued newer processes for many reviews, and this was the first round of playground review that JCJ Architecture had undergone under the new plans. The additional paperwork that was needed for the state required an extra two weeks for the design team to gather. She said, “even though we’re buying off a state contract, we’re required to put together a whole package that resembles a bid package that meets the requirements of the state…it took us a little while to get through that process and get approval from the state.”
“I was upset when I found this out,” PBC Chair Mr. Don Kellogg said but is confident that the installation of the play surface and equipment can be done “as least disruptive to the school and as quickly as possible, once the equipment comes in. I’ve asked them to provide us with a detailed schedule of those activities to make sure that all tasks required for the complete installation are assigned to somebody and we’ve got a good way to track it and make sure that nothing is missed.” It was noted that the equipment would likely be delivered on a weekend and will be installed in a fenced-in area by workers who will enter through the fence and not leave between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. PBC members asked that all playground installers go through the rigorous background checks that the construction workers needed to complete.
PBC members asked whether some equipment could be delivered earlier but learned that the supplier wants to batch the shipment as much as possible and there are ramifications to altering piece installation order. O’Hare said that she has “asked about flying out some of the pieces instead of ground shipping them but some of the pieces are too large to air ship.”
Until the playground opens, there will be basketball hoops available, plus a grassy area for the children to play in. In a follow-up after the meeting, Head Campus Principal Ms. Allyson Story confirmed that there will be hula hoops and other games available for play at recess.
Other play area plans may be eliminated, such as a large circular walking path that was originally planned to surround and go beyond the equipment. The elimination of the path would shave time off the process and add about five feet of play surface area, but PBC members questioned whether the elimination, supported by current school administration, is a wise move. Some, such as Mr. Paul Boniello, remembered that walkway being an important component to the design that was originally posed to be a great alternative for students who prefer to walk, an option for special needs students, and for staff. It was also noted that there are not many walking paths in town. Other proposed changes are to move the existing chain link fence that is at the head of the slope and to add a four-foot chain link fence around the perimeter.
In reviewing the elementary construction status, O&G’s Mr. Zach Rowley reassured PBC members that the schedule for the school building is on track, pointing out that there is now a punch list of approximately 500 items that was created. PBC members asked for status updates on the punch list every Wednesday and Friday. Last-minute details are being finalized for doors and windows that will receive security glazing. Rowley detailed work that is being done in the cafeteria and leak tests that are being performed.
At the high school, work continues in the auditorium, including on the stage, more sheetrock is being installed, and the exterior facade is progressing. The architects are continuing to finalize the furnishings, fixtures, and equipment plans. O’Hare said that the plan will be shared at the next PBC meeting.
The next regular Permanent Building Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, 7:30 p.m.
By Sarah Opdahl