By MtnTimes
On July 30, 2025
Rutland County Head Start (RCHS), a program of Community Care Network (CCN), recently announced plans for an exciting new playground expansion project at its Meadow Street school location. The new playground will better meet the developmental needs of its students and benefit Rutland County children and families.
“The project, made possible through Office of Head Start funding, will transform our play area into an exciting, fun and safer playground for our student community,” said Donna Barrow, director of Rutland County Head Start and Early Head Start.
Aimed at further improving RCHS’ facilities and the health and safety of its students, the project quickly gained momentum after a new funding opportunity from the Office of Head Start (OHS) was identified in 2024 by Barrow and RCHS Fiscal Coordinator Jen Drew, and coordination support was secured from CCN Facilities Director Randy Crossman, and Senior Maintenance Technician Shawn Moore.
“Over the past few years, the interior of our flagship school location on Meadow Street was greatly improved to better suit our early childhood classes,” added Barrow. “Thanks to grants and community support, we were able to add several new classrooms and murals in 2023 and 2024. However, our outdoor play space remained in need of a serious upgrade.”
After a facility walk-through to assess how the opportunity could best meet existing needs, the agency’s facilities team advised Barrow to apply for the funds to rebuild and enhance the playground.
The team worked together to gather input and develop a compelling proposal and budget for the project to be submitted to OHS. Several contractors submitted bids and playground designs with Pettinelli & Associates of Williston ultimately selected to complete the project.
“While we had envisioned a natural playground, they recognized that more durable equipment and design was required for Vermont weather,” said Barrow. “Justin Mansfield with Pettinelli & Associates helped combine the vision with functionality.”
“In May, RCHS and CCN were thrilled to receive notification that the award was granted,” said Dick Courcelle, CEO of Community Care Network.
Once the grant money was received, Missy Burke, RCHS education manager, worked with Pettinelli & Associates to further fine-tune designs for the new playground.
“Missy’s expertise in early childhood development and Vermont licensing allowed her and Justin to create spaces that will work for all of our students,” said Barrow. “The ground cover, colors, and equipment capture the feel of the natural environment but also ensure durability through snow, rain, and harsh weather.”
RCHS Health Manager, Angela Goepel, also reviewed the plans to ensure that the project would meet all safety standards for outdoor spaces for young children.
“The first step when designing an environment for children is to immerse yourself in their shoes,” said Burke. “You have to select the right materials and equipment for children from infant to preschoolers with different developmental needs. This playground design has spaces for all our children to enjoy, to entice their senses and build their motor skills. I can’t wait for them to be able to enjoy the movement and experiences that will be waiting for them.”
Construction planning and approvals have begun for the project, equipment has been ordered, and the groundbreaking is anticipated to take place in mid-September. Project construction is expected to take about two weeks, and a community Grand Opening celebration is tentatively planned for October.
“We are thankful for the additional funding and for the many community partnerships that have allowed us to bring this new playground rebuild to fruition,” added Courcelle. “This project will benefit local children for many years to come.”
Courtesy of Rutland County Head Start
Conceptual drawings of the new playground space at the Rutland County Head Start Meadow Street location in the old St. Peter’s elementary school. Construction is planned to begin mid-September and be completed in two weeks.