The bill appropriates $315,000 from the natural resources fund for grants to school districts in Minnesota to develop accessible and inclusive school playgrounds in fiscal year 2025. Specific allocations include at least $100,000 designated for playgrounds at Deerwood Elementary School, Somerset Elementary School, and Hilltop Elementary School. The funds must be used for replacing, repairing, expanding, or installing playground equipment, creating accessible routes, or installing unitary surface materials to enhance accessibility. Additionally, grant recipients are required to have their playground plans reviewed by a certified playground safety inspector or a Minnesota certified accessibility specialist.
Furthermore, the bill mandates that grant recipients submit a report by January 1, 2026, detailing their expenditures, the actions taken to improve accessibility and inclusion, and recommendations for other school districts to enhance their playgrounds. Up to five percent of the total appropriation is allocated for administrative costs associated with the grants.