TITLE:
Receive Report and Provide Direction to Staff Regarding Funding for Replacement of Playground Equipment at Wiggly Giggly Playground in Bainbridge Park ISSUE:
In 2016, City Council directed staff to work with the community to develop a plan for park improvements to enhance the “family friendly” environment at Bainbridge Park. Since that time, several improvements have been made to various features at the Park including new fencing, new pathways, and the addition of soccer courts is currently on the agenda. When discussions about Bainbridge Park Master Plan began, the playground equipment was still in adequate condition, so other improvements scored higher for replacement. However, the current state of the playground equipment is verging on unusable and staff is seeking direction on funding for replacement of the equipment.
ANALYSIS:
Staff had applied for two Prop 68 Grants from the State Department of Parks (2019 and 2021) and Recreation to fund all the improvements associated with the Bainbridge Park Master Plan. Both applications were unsuccessful. The City did receive $177,952 in Per Capita Funds, which is being programmed for the installation of two artificial turf soccer courts at the direction of the Community Development Committee. However, the playground equipment has now degraded to a poor condition, and funding for replacement needs to be identified. Below are some photographs depicting the current state of the equipment. The playground is currently missing one mesh ladder that leads to the big slide, the swinging bridge has been removed and is now boarded up, the tire swing has been removed, and several other areas are showing significant signs of age and are quickly deteriorating to a point beyond repair.
The Wiggly Giggly Playground is the only City-owned playground available to our community’s young children and it is the only playground between Leggett and Caspar. According to the 2020 Census there are ±2,659 children that live in the 95437 zip code. That means this is the only playground for all these kids, making it a very popular place for gatherings and play dates. The playground repair is past due. Earlier this year, staff received the following estimates for the cost of the replacing the equipment and surfacing.
Playground Equipment - $299,000
Construction Management/ Contingency/ Contracts/ Demolition – $60,000 Playground Surface - $323,000
Construction Management/ Contingency/ Contracts – $15,000 At the February 28, 2022 meeting of the Community Development Committee, the playground equipment replacement was scheduled for a future discussion. However, as you can see from the photographs, this item should not be delayed any further. If the total cost of the project exceeds available funds determined appropriate for this project, staff recommends prioritizing the playground equipment and retaining the chip surfacing for replacement as a Phase II.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Identify funding sources for the replacement of the playground equipment and surfacing, and provide direction for either a 2021/2022 budget amendment or inclusion in the 2022/2023 budget.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Direct staff to proceed with only equipment replacement or only surfacing at this time; Direct staff to continue to seek out grant funds;
Send to Committee for additional scoping; or
Make no recommendations for playground equipment replacement at this time.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City’s 2021/2022 budget Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 5-year look ahead, has identified Bainbridge Park improvements as beyond the CIP and estimated the full improvements to be $1,800,000. As the state of the playground has deteriorated to an unusable condition, the playground equipment and surfacing is one part of this project and the estimated total cost of rehab is $697,000. To date staff has not identified a funding source to cover the cost of the improvements, however the facilities budget with transient occupancy tax money seems the most appropriate to consider for fund allocation.
Wiggly Giggly Upgrades
Playground Equipment
$299,000
Construction Management/ Contingency/ Contracts/ Demolition $60,000
Sub-Total
$359,000
Playground Surface
$323,000
Construction Management/ Contingency/ Contracts
$15,000
Sub-Total
$338,000
Playground Upgrades
$697,000
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IMPACT:
If funding is approved and the project were to be constructed, there will be a short-lived increase of greenhouse gas emissions during the construction phase due to the equipment necessary for the performance of the work. Increases in greenhouse gases will only occur during actual construction. All Air Quality Management District best management practices for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions during construction, like reducing idling vehicles, will be incorporated into the daily activities during construction of this project.
CONSISTENCY:
Renovating the Wiggly Giggly Playground would carry out the vision of the Bainbridge Park Master Plan. Additionally, park improvements would be consistent with the following General Plan policies:
Policy OS-9.3: Recreational Facilities: Provide recreational facilities to meet the needs of all Fort Bragg citizens, especially children and teenagers.
Program OS-9.3.1: Consider teen recreation needs when planning new or redesigned parks.
Policy OS-9.4: Playground Facilities: Add or upgrade playground facilities at existing neighborhood parks.
Program OS-9.4.1: Provide additional playground facilities and basketball courts at appropriate locations within neighborhoods.
Goal OS-10: Develop park and recreation facilities with the coordination of other agencies and the public.
Policy OS-10.4: Public Participation: Actively solicit public participation in the selection, design, and facilities planning for existing and future park sites.
IMPLEMENTATION/TIMEFRAMES:
Once a funding source has been identified, staff will prepare a report to the Community Development Committee with playground equipment and surfacing options to solicit input on selection of a theme and style. After equipment selection, staff will program the project and put together a bid package for construction this summer.
ATTACHMENTS:
Bainbridge Park Master Plan
NOTIFICATION:
1. Notify Me List – Bainbridge Park
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8B
AGENCY: City Council MEETING DATE: March 28, 2022DEPARTMENT: Public WorksPRESENTED BY: Chantell O’NealEMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] AGENCY: City Council MEETING DATE: March 28, 2022DEPARTMENT: Public WorksPRESENTED BY: Chantell O’NealEMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] AGENCY: City Council
MEETING DATE: March 28, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTED BY: Chantell O’Neal
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
AGENCY: City Council
MEETING DATE: March 28, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTED BY: Chantell O’Neal
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY