PLAYGROUND & SHADE STRUCTURE - HORACE MANN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
GENERAL INFORMATION
Building Name: Horace Mann Elementary School
Building Location: Beverly Hills, California, United States
Project Type: Playgrounds & Shade structures
DESCRIPTION
Nestled in the sunny, iconic city of Beverly Hills, Horace Mann Elementary School is part of the Beverly Hills Unified School District. Known for its vibrant community and mild climate, the school sought to create spaces where students could fully enjoy the beauty of outdoor learning.
GOALS
With summer fast approaching, Horace Mann Elementary needed two shade structures and a new Pre-K playground to enhance outdoor experiences for its students. The shade structures were essential for student safety to ensure children could play, learn and interact while making the most of the area’s beautiful weather.
PROCESS
OVERVIEW
Facing challenges with their previous contractor, the school partnered with KYA for a timely and dependable solution. Speed was critical, and KYA acted swiftly, leveraging the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) buying contract to streamline pricing and procurement. Through creative problem-solving and strong relationships with local vendors, KYA identified a playground system that incorporated integrated shade structures—perfect for meeting the school’s needs and schedule. This innovative approach not only simplified installation but also ensured that the playground and shade structures would be ready by summer.
CONSTRUCTION
PRODUCTS AND SYSTEMS
For the project, an underground utility survey was conducted to ensure safe and precise installation. The construction process began with marking and digging footings for the new shade posts, followed by the delivery of materials to the site. Poles were erected, and fabric shade coverings were installed by the crew. The Division of State Architecture (DSA) conducted a walkthrough with the team to confirm compliance and approve the installation. For the new playground, the site was excavated, footings were drilled, and the playground equipment was installed. The finishing touches included the application of pour-in-place surfacing and synthetic turf, ensuring a safe and durable play environment.
PROJECT RESULTS
The new shaded playgrounds transformed the campus into a more accessible play area for students to enjoy year round. Horace Mann Elementary School celebrated the enhancements, which not only complemented the community’s appreciation for outdoor learning but also reflected the school’s commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces for its students.
