U.S. Attorney’s Office resolves case with Warwick elementary school over playground access

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha announced Monday that the Warwick School Department settled to ensure equal access for children and adults with disabilities at an elementary school playground.

According to Cunha, his office received multiple complaints saying that Warwick Neck Elementary School failed to make its playground accessible to handicapped individuals after their renovation in 2019.

Officials said the settlement agreement that was voluntarily reached between the U.S. and the school states the school department will make changes that include improvements to make the playground accessible and usable for people with disabilities.

The agreement states The Warwick School Department will create a plan to remedy the issues including making one handicap-accessible route connecting the building, playground and all other spaces on school grounds.

The district has until July 15 to submit the design to the U.S. for approval. Once approved, the department will find a contractor for the job and begin work.

All renovations are expected to be completed by August 15, 2024.