The Knoxville School Board approved a proposal at their meeting Monday night to remove the existing playground equipment at West Elementary School so new equipment can be installed.

At a December school board meeting, the board approved a proposal from Play-Pro Recreation for new playground equipment at the school. Committees at West Elementary School have been working toward that goal for two years, as the current playground is not suitable for the district and a safety hazard for children. The board ultimately approved a quote from Play-Pro for just over $339,000 after going with the cheaper of the two options they received. The new playground equipment will be more suitable for children that are wheelchair bound, along with having a foundation that is easier to maintain. The proposal approved Monday night for removal of the equipment is just over $41,000 and Knoxville Community School District Business Manager Craig Mobley says the work on that effort will start shortly after the current school year is done.

“With the change in our maintenance department, we had Play-Pro put together an estimate for actually removing the old playground equipment, the old playground surface material, and also installing the concrete curb in which the new equipment and surface will be attached. As soon as school is out and Memorial Day is over we will be able to get them going and hopefully get that project done very quickly.”

The funding for the new playground equipment will come from the district’s five year facilities plan.