Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/10/2022

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Commissioner Loss stated that comparison helps to show the lower usage of Rabbit Park. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that prior to the meeting he prepared different budget scenarios for the Commission to review. He stated that after hearing the input tonight, staff can review the condition of the newer structure to determine if it would remain or be refurbished. He reviewed a draft budget outline that would have an estimated cost of $47,000. He noted that $100,000 was shown per year in the CIP for playground replacement. He stated that if this scenario is followed, the Commission could most likely address another park this year as well. He displayed photos taken this year from Peltzer Park this year, noting structures that were removed because of safety concerns. He noted that Peltzer Park is in a more central location and is used by more residents that Rabbit Park. He stated that staff has been made aware of an opportunity to secure completely refurbished playground equipment for$30,000 which could be used in Peltzer Park. Chair Bennett asked if the equipment was from another local park. Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that equipment was taken from a park in another community and the vendor is holding the equipment for the Commission to consider as a courtesy but noted that the City is not under obligation to purchase the equipment. Chair Bennett asked if the other additional play structure would need to be removed from Peltzer Park, or whether that would remain. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that both structures would need to be removed from Peltzer Park. He noted that the refurbished equipment includes a structure for children aged two to five and a second structure for children five to 12. He explained that two separate components are typically provided to avoid conflict between the two age groups. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the equipment would be more appropriate for Peltzer Park because of the number of residents served by that location compared to Rabbit Park. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that is the direction he is leaning. He noted that only five responses were received from residents out of the 91 mailings for Rabbit Park. He stated that the Commission could also decide that given the lackluster interest from residents for Rabbit Park, the playground equipment could be removed completely, leaving the slide, and adding native landscaping. He noted that the group could always circle back if there are a lot of comments received from residents on the removed equipment. Chair Bennett commented that he does like the ability to address two parks this year. He agreed that the big slide should remain at Rabbit Park. He agreed that perhaps additional elements could be added to Rabbit Park in the future if there is desire for that by residents. He noted that perhaps the work at that park begins with native landscaping, trees, and perhaps swings. Commissioner Sis stated that he would agree with a swing element and retaining the large slide, along with evaluating the second play structure to determine if that could remain. He stated that he does support the taller swing as that provides more opportunity for both older and younger Park and Recreation Commission/February 10, 2022 Page 5 of 8