Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/13/2026

Home

5. 1. Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Date: 08/13/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Address infrastructure needs. Information Title: Playground Replacement Program 2026 — Riverdale Park Purpose/Background: Late in 2021, City Council approved the Playground Replacement Policy which informs the city generally on which playgrounds are to be replaced and when. In 2022, the city removed two small antiquated play structures that did not merit replacement, and refurbished the playgrounds at both Peltzer and Rabbit Park's pursuant to the policy and plan. Between 2023 and 2024 the playground at River's Bend was refurbished and Alpine Park's was replaced and greatly expanded. In 2025, Central Park was also replaced with a significant expansion in scope and play components at a cost of $449,000 In summary, the city remains on track in replacing one playground each year, consistent with the policy. As part of the approval of the 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan, the estimated cost of the annual playground replacements rose from $100k to an estimated $125k. This target amount was an estimate for the 2026 playground replacement —and the RFP process was understood to determine if $125k would be adequate for the near -term years of the CIP. As the 2026 CIP project page outlines, each of the playgrounds at Solstice, Flintwood Terrace and Riverdale Parks are considered 'due' for replacement. Staff conducted an analysis and comparisons of all three, and found that Flintwood Terrace and Riverdale Park merit replacement more so than Solstice Park. Based upon a significant number of playground patrons at Riverdale Park above Flintwood Terrace, at the January regular meeting, the Commission directed staff to focus on Riverdale Park this year —with the development of a Request for Proposals, which led to the March Commission case, where the preferred proposal(s) was selected, pending learning the outcome of the MN DNR grant for additional funding. Notification: The Public Hearing on the 2026-2035 city-wide Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) conducted in December 2025, included the 2026 playground replacement this case discusses. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: The city was not successful in securing additional funding for the 2026 playground replacement, and finds that the earlier proposal selected by the Commission in the $125k configuration (with limited Poured -in -Place surfacing and Engineered Wood Fiber elsewhere), is wholly adequate for the Riverdale Park playground project. The first attachment illustrates the play equipment components to be installed, and works within the established CIP allocation, by virtue of city forces removing the existing play equipment and providing all preparatory work and site restoration. If recommended by the Commission for approval by City Council, the project may be formally approved on August 25th 2026 for completion as soon as this Fall.