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Barnett playground added to PLDO priority list

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After viewing a presentation on replacing the playground structure at Barnett Elementary School, Ramona Community Planning Group unanimously agreed to add the project to the Ramona Park Land Dedication Ordinance priority list.

The Barnett project will rank eighth on list, which has seven other projects requesting PLDO funding. Approximately $600,000 of PLDO funds is available for recreational uses in the community. The county charges the park fee with residential building permits.

While the planning group can recommend projects to receive funding, San Diego County Parks and Recreation Department oversees release of the money.

Denise Drum and Breeanna Purcell, co-chairs of the Barnett playground project, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the 21-year-old playground during the planners’ Nov. 7 meeting.

“It currently does not meet current safety guidelines...in many ways,” said Drum.

The playground equipment is original to the school and has not been refurbished, she said. It is used by about 500 children in grades one through six and is open to the community when school is not in session. The project would replace the playground area with new structures and add a challenge course with games and activities.

PLDO funding requested is $117,675. Drum and Purcell said $7,500 has already been collected from a fundraiser and in-kind donations.

A letter from Ramona Unified School District Assistant Superintendent David Ostermann to the county said the school district supports the project. The school board will need to give final approval once PLDO funding is awarded, he stated.

—Karen Brainard

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