On Thursday, the Elementary School Building Committee talked about incorporating adaptive elements into its playground plans for the new Charleswood School.

Members also reached a milestone, voting unanimously to release the construction documents out to bid on their way to obtaining a general contractor in two months.

They also outlined mitigations that are planned for abutters.

Chris Eberly, Vertex’s project manager, spoke on behalf of the landscape architect, pointing out changes to the concept for two playgrounds (north and south) on the site. Initially, Eberly said, the idea was to have swings, seating areas, two basketball court variations and other playground equipment.

Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich, who has explored options for an adaptive playground at Marathon School, suggested the new school provides areas where students with disabilities could play side by side with their peers who are not physically challenged.

The landscape architect began looking at structures that would “maintain a balance” and be appealing and accessible for all children, Eberly said.

He showed possible equipment that could be accessed from the ground or with transfers from a wheelchair such as steppers, spinners, swings, slides and more. Eberly said a goal is to identify items that provide value for sensory, motor, cognitive and social emotional skills.

He said the goal was not to “simplify” equipment, but instead offer a mix of exciting items that children can access from various levels.

Marathon playground request still proceeding

Rothermich noted that an adaptive playground would be desirable at Charleswood School and would not replace one proposed at Marathon.

The latter project is moving toward a Town Meeting vote after the Community Preservation Committee allocated funds for a feasibility study but halted subsequent funding.

One of the main points of contention is the chosen location at Marathon School. An independent Adaptive Playground Committee selected the site following study of numerous possibilities around Hopkinton.

However, CPC members objected to having limited hours of operation while school is in session and felt the playground would be regarded as a school and not a town facility.

Rothermich said if the playground at Marathon becomes a reality, children with disabilities would grow accustomed to playing with children without mobility challenges. It would be a detriment for them to then move up to a school where they will face accessibility obstacles on the playground.

She said there are no guarantees a playground will be built at Marathon. “But if Hopkinton wants children to play together, this is an opportunity [to pursue] because we are early in the process.”

Eberly said the architect would work with vendors on finding adaptive equipment.

It is likely, Eberly said, there will be an increase in costs. He said because equipment would not be purchased for quite a while, it could be handled via a change order at that time.

Concept applauded by ESBC members

ESBC member Bill Flannery thanked Rothermich for her “forward thinking.”

ESBC member Mike Shepard said having adaptive equipment available is “absolutely right on target. … It should be paramount to all of us whether Marathon is done [or not]. Going this way is an appropriate way of doing it.”

Eberly said the matter would be revisited as the project gets further along in the construction process and “it is fleshed out.”

In other business, the project manager updated the board about work done in the run-up to releasing construction documents to bidders.

Process begins to obtain general contractor bids

Eberly said a hydrant test found no issues with fire protection systems, and results from soil tests should be available in time so accurate unit amounts can be reflected in the bids.

“It’s another exciting milestone for us to get to,” said Jon Graziano, ESBC chair. “Putting it out to bid, getting a general contractor … it is starting to feel more real as we get through these steps.”

The deadline to receive GC bids is May 5.

Mitigations for abutters discussed

In another matter, Graziano thanked Eberly and Shepard for working so closely with abutters to the project to address their concerns.

Graziano said it is important to the ESBC to create as little disruption as possible for the property owners.

“We know there will be disruptions, but we want to do right by them,” Graziano said.

Eberly noted that each neighbor had different scenarios based on their particular property.

He spoke about everything from fencing to shield light from shining on one house to the possibility of needing an easement and validating the location of an underground storm drain pipe for another.

Eberly also pointed out areas where fencing would be adjusted and plantings installed. He said mitigations directly related to off-street work would be part of the project’s traffic package. Fencing would be completed at the end of construction and regarded as building-related.

Approximately $300,000 was put aside for all mitigations, Eberly said.