Atherton City Council
December 4, 2024

Playground
Subcommittee Report
and Recommendation
Park and Recreation Committee
November 6, 2024
Current Playground Proposals
• Two Options Under Consideration
• Standard/Conventional
• Budget constrained and within budget ($1M)
• Meets ADA and general code requirements
• Conceptual design completed
• Slightly enlarges current playground footprint by 35% • Responsive to community survey priorities
• Magical Bridge
• Inclusive design
• Relies on donations for funding (Project Estimate +/- $3.5M) • Partially responsive to community survey priorities
• Initial proposal increases playground footprint by >50% • Community engagement/outreach needed to confirm features and layout • Well-known local brand
2 Concerns
• Standard/Conventional
• Accessible, but not all abilities • Increasing accessibility is higher cost and reduces equipment number and types • Magical Bridge
• Reinitiates public engagement in design
• Budget • Costs are less well known
• Specialized equipment is higher cost, takes longer to procure, and replacement parts may be difficult to obtain • Relies on donor support and fundraising
• Revenue • Ability to raise funds
• If bids are higher than $3.2M, additional funds are needed or design needs to be scaled back • Pledged donations may not be fulfilled, fundraising may fall short, and/or take longer than expected • All abilities playground requires trade-off with Atherton community preferences • Slides rated highest in “fun” - Fewer slide types – straight only, no spiral, no high slides • Sand play area rated third highest in “fun” – not compatible • Vertical climbers and balance features rated fourth and fifth, respectively – limited options • Overhead climbers rated sixth – not compatible
• Strong brand and larger playground
• Attracts more park visitors
3 Proposal Comparisons
4 Standard Magical Bridge
Within Budget Yes Yes (with private fundraising)
Expected Completion Time Summer 2025 1st Quarter 2026
Responsive to Community
Feedback
Yes Partial
All Abilities ADA compliant Yes
Project Risks Lower Higher
Playground area
(Existing: 6,800 sq ft)
9,175 sq ft 10,600 sq ft
Adds More Shade Yes Expected
Subcommittee Recommendations
• Subcommittee recommends standard proposal
• Proposal a better fit with resident and current park user preferences • More certainty in project funding and cost
• Expected to be completed sooner
• Adds accessibility improvements
• Select add alternate if more improvement desired
• Not expected to attract as many visitors as Magical Bridge brand • Current parking has limited capacity with little league and venue events • Lower ongoing maintenance with less specialized equipment 5