During the summer, the playgrounds for three Eanes ISD elementary schools will undergo $2 million in renovations.

The plans for the playgrounds at Valley View, Eanes and Cedar Creek elementary schools were approved by the Eanes ISD board of trustees in April. The renovations will make the playgrounds more handicap-accessible and update some of the equipment.

"As we approached the design of these spaces, it was necessary to emphasize the importance of learning through play," a district newsletter says. "The district developed playground guidelines that focused on the importance of play in students' physical, social, emotional and cognitive development for all students of all learning and physical abilities."

Of the total cost, an estimated $1 million will go toward adding ramps and sidewalks to make the playgrounds more handicap-accessible.

The ramps and sidewalks are needed for the schools to comply with upcoming changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act and Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation safety standards, said Dr. Nola Wellman, Eanes ISD superintendent.

Wellman said the plans for the playgrounds go above and beyond what is required by safety standards. The playgrounds will have new equipment that can be used by students with disabilities.

"The learning of teamwork and socialization and sharing and all the things you learn through play is important, and we want all of our students to learn," Wellman said.

The renovations, which Wellman said could be complete by winter break, are being covered by the $54 million bond package approved in 2011.