Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/13/2025

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Barten; Commissioners Bennett, Olson, Arts, Ealain, and Leistico. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Sis. 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Playground Replacement Planning — Central Park Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood presented background information on the playground replacement program. He stated that at the November meeting the Commission discussed potential improvements and provided direction to staff to further narrow the scope. He stated that staff have since worked to develop a proposed plan for Central Park and presented background information on the existing playground as well as the proposed concept for improving the playground. He provided the proposed cost of $449,000 which would include contingency funds and explained how that proposed cost would be split between the Lawful Gambling Fund and Park Trust Fund. Commissioner Bennett asked what would happen to the play equipment that is in good condition and whether the diggers would remain at the park or be relocated to another park. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that the playground equipment would be removed and disposed of by the contractor, which would also include the removal of the buckshot. He stated that the City would not reuse the play equipment. Commissioner Leistico asked for details on the ongoing maintenance that would be required for artificial turf. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that there is a warranty on the material, and it is his understanding that almost no maintenance is needed for years. He explained the cleaning/fluffing that can be completed after a few years. Chairperson Barten asked how the artificial turf compares to the poured -in -place surfacing. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that the wear and tear is similar as is the fall protection, but the cost of poured -in -place is a bit higher than artificial turf. He believed that the turf would provide a cleaner look. Commissioner Ealain stated that she likes that the artificial turf would provide more accessibility. She also recognized that the music feature would be accessible but was not noticing any other accessible features within the playground. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that all of the new and modern playgrounds are ADA accessible. He stated that the existing pea gravel not is considered accessible. He stated that many of the components have transfer stations and provided more details on the accessibility of different features proposed for the playground. Chairperson Barten asked how much of the equipment is the equipment that was discussed in November that had been sprayed the wrong color. Park and Recreation Commission/ January 9, 2025 Page 2 of 4