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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Adams Square Mini Park and Mayors Bicentennial Park Playground Replacement Projects
1. Motion to approve the final design for the Adams Mini Park playground and Mayors Bicentennial Park playground.
2. Resolution to:
a)Dispense with competitive bidding for the purchase of playground equipment and authorizing the Deputy Director of Finance – Purchasing or a designee to execute a Purchase Order/Service Agreement with KOMPAN Inc. for the Adams Square Mini Park Playground Replacement Project in the amount of $487,441.20, plus a 5% contingency of $24,372.06, for a total amount not to exceed $511,813.26. b)Dispense with competitive bidding for the purchase of playground equipment and authorizing the Deputy Director of Finance – Purchasing or a designee to execute a Purchase Order/Service Agreement with KOMPAN Inc. for the Mayors Bicentennial Park Playground Replacement Project in the amount of $667,702.15, plus a 5% contingency of $33,385.11, for a total amount not to exceed $701,087.26.
3. Resolution of Appropriation to:
a)Appropriate $44,536.08 from LA County Regional Park and Open Space District Measure A Funds to the Adams Mini Park Playground Replacement Project to cover costs associated with the purchase and installation of playground equipment and accompanying site improvements.
b)Appropriate $227,208.15 from LA County Regional Park and Open Space District Measure A Funds to the Mayors Bicentennial Park Playground Replacement Project to cover costs associated with the purchase and installation of playground equipment and accompanying site improvements.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for August 26, 2025 calendar
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The playground equipment at Adams Square Mini Park and Mayors Bicentennial Park have exceeded their recommended lifespan, with original installations dating back more than16 and 19 years, respectively. The City has been allocated funding to support completion of the improvement projects, including $500,000 from LA County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) Measure A Funds for Adams Square Mini Park and $475,000 from RPOSD Measure A Funds for Mayors Bicentennial Park playground replacements.
To complete project delivery, staff proposes using OMNIA Partners, a nationwide purchasing cooperative that enables public agencies to pool their purchasing power through competitively bid, nationally solicited contracts meeting regional and national requirements. The City has been a registered member since 2012 and, under the City Charter, may select contractors prequalified by OMNIA Partners without further competitive bidding.
Staff conducted community engagement to determine each playground design. Following two rounds of surveys, the community majority selected custom designs by KOMPAN Inc. – an OMNIA Partners-registered supplier – for both park sites. As the selected custom designs are non-replicable by other vendors, staff recommends proceeding under the OMNIA procurement agreement without further competitive bidding.
RECOMMENDATION
That City Council approve the design, purchase, and installation of the Adams Square Mini Park ($544,536.08) and Mayors Bicentennial Park ($702,208.15) playground replacements, dispensing with competitive bidding and authorizing the Deputy Director of Finance – Purchasing to execute a purchase order/service agreement with KOMPAN Inc., through OMNIA Partners, for playground equipment and site improvements.
Staff also recommends that the City Council approve the appropriation of an additional $44,536.08 from Measure A funds to the Adams Square Mini Playground Replacement Project and $227,208.15 from Measure A Funds to the Mayors Bicentennial Park Playground Replacement Project to cover costs associated with the purchase and installation of playground equipment and accompanying site improvements.
ANALYSIS
In an ongoing effort by the Community Services & Parks Department (CSP) to provide safe recreational opportunities, facilities and amenities, CSP is proposing to replace the outdated playgrounds and install safety surfacing at both Adams Square Mini and Mayors Bicentennial Parks. The existing equipment at Adams Square Mini Park (originally installed more than 16 years ago) and Mayors Bicentennial Park (originally installed more than 19 years ago) need replacement to meet the growing needs of a diverse population and to comply with the current safety and accessibility standards.
CSP is recommending that the City Council dispense with the traditional bidding process as set forth in Glendale Municipal Code (GMC) Section 4.12.010(A)(1) and 23 25-88594
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4.12.010(A)(3), and authorize the Deputy Director of Finance – Purchasing or a designee to execute a purchase order/service agreement with KOMPAN Inc., through OMNIA Partners, for playground equipment and site improvements. This process will result in quicker replacement of the aging playground and selection of the community-preferred design. Both playground replacement projects are funded by Los Angeles County 2016 Measure A through the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD).
Measure A Funding:
After Proposition A ended, LA County completed a Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment (PNA), dividing the county into 188 Study Areas to identify park needs. In November 2016, 75% of LA County voters approved the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Beaches Measure of 2016 (Measure A) – replacing Proposition A funding – to support parks, recreation, and open space projects/maintenance in perpetuity through a parcel tax that generates over $90 million annually.
Measure A provides funding through two programs: Annual Allocations, based on Study Area formulas, and Competitive Grants open to public agencies, nonprofits, and schools.
Glendale benefits through Category 1 (Community-Based Park Investment), which supports projects like park upgrades and safety improvements, and Category 2 (Neighborhood Parks, Healthy Communities & Urban Greening), which focuses on high- need areas such as south Glendale.
The City is utilizing Measure A annual allocations for the Adams Square Mini Park (Category 2) and Mayors Bicentennial Park (Category 1) Playground Replacement Projects.
Community Engagement:
Staff initiated a multi-phase community engagement process to gather feedback on both parks’ current conditions and to understand improvements that should be made.
Additionally, the process gathered the public’s preferences on playground designs and elements. The engagement process consisted of Phase 1 Concept Design Development rating “Playground Look, Current Elements, Top 3 Future Elements, and Challenge Level” and Phase 2 Design Concepts rating four playground designs (Exhibit 1).
Phase 1 Survey results for Adams Square Mini Park (May 20 - June 23, 2024), with a total of 165 responses, indicate a desire for nature-inspired and/or themed playgrounds with climbing, sensory play/music, cognitive play/play panels, ramps, and inclusive 2-12 play. They indicate disapproval of the current rubber surfacing and lack of shade, but indicate approval of current climbing and sliding features.
As a result, four different concept playgrounds were created and staff engaged the community in person on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Adams Square Mini Park to record design preferences. Phase 2 Survey results for Adams Square Mini Park, with a 24 25-88594
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total of 186 responses, indicate a majority preference for KOMPAN’s Custom Truck playground (Exhibit 2). This design received 71% of votes, with positive feedback on its unique acknowledgement of the historic gas station. Staff has collaborated with KOMPAN in finalizing this design.
Phase 1 Survey results for Mayors Bicentennial Park (May 20 - June 23, 2024), with a total of 63 responses, indicate a desire for nature-inspired and/or modern playgrounds with climbing, sliding, nooks, and inclusive 2-12 play. They overwhelming indicate disapproval of the current wood chip surfacing and lack of shade, and the majority rated the current climbing tower, slides, and tic-tac-toe as either insufficient or unacceptable.
As a result, four different concept playgrounds were created and staff engaged the community in person on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Mayors Bicentennial Park to record design preferences. Phase 2 Survey results for Mayors Bicentennial Park, with a total of 152 responses, indicate a majority preference for KOMPAN’s Custom Owl playground (Exhibit 3). This design received 83% of votes and was praised for being creative and nature-inspired. Staff has collaborated with KOMPAN in finalizing this design.
The community’s preference for KOMPAN designs suggests a preference for themed and sculptural playgrounds from the four options.
Cost Breakdown:
The estimated total cost for the community-preferred custom playground replacement for Adams Square Mini Park is $544,536.08, and for Mayors Bicentennial Park is $702,208.15, including demolition and recycling / disposal of the existing equipment, the purchase and installation of new equipment, poured in place rubberized safety surfacing, and shade elements for both parks.
Following a site assessment, staff identified the need for additional improvements at Adams Square Mini Park to address the replacement of existing furniture and fixtures.
New site bollards and trash receptacles will be procured from Forms and Surfaces (F+S), a registered supplier partner through OMNIA Partners. Custom receptacle colors were selected in coordination with the Adams Hills Neighborhood Association to reflect community input and preferences. Replacement park benches have previously been selected for Adams Square Mini Park from the same vendor to improve the park’s usability, visual appeal, and long-term durability. Therefore, staff elected to source the additional furnishings from F+S to maintain consistency in design, quality, and overall aesthetic. These upgrades are intended to enhance the visitor experience of this heavily utilized neighborhood park.
Mayors Bicentennial Park playground replacement will include new playground equipment, new poured-in-place safety surfacing, and new shade umbrellas and trees to address shade needs.
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See a cost breakdown below:
Adams Square Mini Playground Replacement:
Products (Playground, 2 Shade Elements) $ 300,740.08
Surfacing $ 38,081.99
Sitework & Installation (Including Security Pole) $ 58,716.76 Freight & Tax $ 89,902.37
Total Net Cost $ 487,441.20
5% Construction Contingency $ 24,372.06
Site Furniture $ 31,601.93
Signage (Funder + City Regulatory) $ 1,120.89
Total Project Cost $ 544,536.08
Mayors Bicentennial Playground Replacement:
Products (Playground, 4 Shade Elements) $ 318,924.20
Surfacing $ 108,118.12
Sitework & Installation $ 128,734.26
Freight & Tax $ 111,925.57
Total Net Cost $ 667,702.15
5% Construction Contingency $ 33,385.11
Signage (Funder + City Regulatory) $ 1,120.89
Total Project Cost $ 702,208.15
The Glendale community was drawn to KOMPAN’s unique sculptural elements and natural features, which were customized to each park site’s history and surroundings.
KOMPAN Inc., a global leader in outdoor play and OMNIA partner, was founded in 1970 in Denmark by sculptor Tom Lindhardt, who developed the concept of play sculptures for children. KOMPAN’s legacy designs offer imaginative and timeless play elements, which become landmarks of any neighborhood.
KOMPAN Inc. is committed to sustainable practices by working to reduce usage of raw materials and replacing them with recycled materials that emit fewer carbon emissions.
KOMPAN’s products are made from significant percentages of pre-consumer and post- consumer recycled materials. Robinia wood products are the result of responsible forestry practices – where wood is bred for harvesting, and both planting and harvesting are carefully controlled. When using highly durable products like Robinia, chemical wood preservatives are avoided. KOMPAN Robinia products are also available with FSC® certification (C004450) – Born Green.
Because these custom playgrounds were selected which cannot be replicated by other vendors, staff recommend utilizing the OMNIA procurement agreement without further competitive bidding.
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STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
The new playground designs for both Adams Square Mini Park and Mayors Bicentennial Park, prepared by KOMPAN Inc., meet the requests and preferences of the Glendale community. The engagement process consisting of Phase 1 Concept Design Development and Phase 2 Design Concepts (Exhibit 1) prioritized the public’s input and guided design development.
Staff shared the concepts and conducted a survey in which the public voted in favor of KOMPAN’s Custom Truck for Adams Square Mini Park (Exhibit 2) and KOMPAN’s Custom Owl for Mayors Bicentennial Park (Exhibit 3). Final designs were presented to the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission for its review and recommendation to the City Council for approval. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission was in support of and approved the recommendation of the community-preferred custom designs proposed by KOMPAN at the December 16, 2024, Commission Meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT
The playground replacement project at Adams Square Mini Park will cost $544,536.08.
City Council-approved funding in the amount of $500,000 is currently available as follows:
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$500,000 GL: 51200-4130-CSP-0020-P0000
PL: CSP01074AG
Measure A
The playground replacement project at Mayors Bicentennial Park will cost $702,208.15.
City Council-approved funding in the amount of $475,000 is currently available as follows:
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$475,000 GL: 51200-4130-CSP-0020-P0000
PL: CSP00885AG
Measure A
Staff is requesting that the City Council appropriate additional Measure A Funds from LA County RPOSD in the amounts of $44,536.08 for Adams Square Mini Park playground replacement and $227,208.15 for Mayors Bicentennial Park playground replacement. The new appropriation request is outlined below:
Requesting Appropriation
Amount From (Account
String)
To (Account
String)
Funding Source
$44,536.08 GL: 34301-4130-CSP-
0020-P0000
PL: CSP01074AG
GL: 51200-4130-CSP-
0020-P0000
PL: CSP01074AG
Measure A
$227,208.15 GL: 34301-4130-CSP-
0020-P0000
GL: 51200-4130-CSP-
0020-P0000
Measure A
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PL: CSP00885AG PL: CSP00885AG
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
The project involves negligible or no expansion of existing public facilities. The Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review as a Class 1 Existing Facilities project for the operation, repair, maintenance or minor alteration of existing facilities pursuant to the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15301.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
The names and business addresses of the members of the board of directors, the chairperson, CEO, COO, CFO, Subcontractors and any person or entity with more than 10% interest in the company proposed for contract in this Agenda Item Report are attached in Exhibit 4, in accordance with the City Campaign Finance Ordinance No. 5744.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Direct CSP to use the traditional bidding process for equipment, installation, and site improvements at Adams Square Mini Park and Mayors Bicentennial Park.
Traditional bidding would extend the bidding schedule and risk additional delays for design and scoping by a consultant. Additionally, this process could limit design options and forgo community-preferred playgrounds.
2. The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Onnig Bulanikian, Director of Community Services & Parks Prepared by:
Joseph Gonzalez, Park Planner
Cindy Camberos, Assistant Project Manager
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1: Survey Results (Phase 1 & Phase 2)
Exhibit 2: Adams Square Mini Playground Final Design
Exhibit 3: Mayors Bicentennial Playground Final Design
Exhibit 4: Campaign Finance Ordinance Form