Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/08/1998

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Mr. Basich stated he viewed Peltzer Park and found the tire swing does not meet clearance guidelines and the ball hinge is not a safe mechanism so he recommends it be replaced. He advised that with modification some of the climbers can be salvaged but he would suggested it be repainted since the paint is flaking. Mr. Basich stated the other one does not meet standards due to rung distance but it is very close and the City would probably not be mandated to remove it. He stated the swings, as installed, do not meet standards since only two swings are allowed per bay (not three). The platform slide does not meet guidelines due to openings being too large and there being no way to modify. He stated the spring toy can be used. Mr. Basich estimated thc existing equipment is 25 to 35 years old. Mr. Boos asked about resilient surfacing and explained that the City has always used pea gravel which is available at no cost. Mr. Basich stated there is no ASTM guideline for anything over 72 inches and reviewed drawbacks on all materials. He explained that pea gravel creates a hardpack two to three inches below the surface; sand is better than pea gravel in a lot of ways but it freezes during the winter time; manufactured wood chips offer the greatest protection and is a lot cleaner. Wood chips are also the only ADA accepted material other than a rubberized surface. Mr. Basich stated the City should be aware of the ADA guidelines and, if they want to meet the spirit of that guideline, should pursue a different surface. Mr. Boos noted that manufactured wood chips also require a pea gravel undersurface for drainage plus a geotextile surface which involves additional cost. Chair Cook noted that wood chips must also be added every five or six years. Mr. Basich advised that the City of New Brighton uses wood chips and adds additional wood chips every five years. He stated unless it is on clay soil, a pea gravel undersurface is probably not needed. He advised there are mats which can be placed at the surface to act as a cushion. A poured rubber or rubber tile is 100% accessible but areas where it is used leads to a much higher percentage of injuries from abrasions and breaks. Commissioner Rolfe inquired regarding the depth of wood chips needed. Mr. Basich advised that eight inches of wood chips is needed for a fall height of six feet. He explained that the specially produced wood chips are usually comprised ora hard wood. Chair Cook agreed that wood chips require less maintenance and stay in place with up to a 10% grade but it needs to be worked under slides and swings to turn it over. It is also softer than other types of surfaces. He recommended a mat be used underneath since it makes it easier to turn over the chips. With pea rocks, he advised that water causes silt to rise and create hard pan which needs to be removed on a regular basis. He stated upkeep with wood chips is less. Commissioner Rolfe inquired regarding the cost per yard. Mr. Basich estimated $16 per yard. In response to Chair Cook, Mr. Basich stated all beams have a cap which also contains play value. Park and Recreation Commission/January 8, 1998 Page 4 of 7