Frank Powell, the park superintendent, recommended three vendor quotes to replace the jungle gym at Whittaker Park and the meeting voted to forward those recommendations to the city council.

Powell told the group he reviewed eight quotes and recommended one primary option — quote 6080-2 from Happy Playgrounds — with two backup options: a Play in Park quote (818179164, Pacific Breeze) and a third option discussed in the packet. “That’s our number 1. It’s also the cheapest,” Powell said, referring to the top choice.

The recommendation matters because the removed jungle gym sits at the entrance to the splash pad and Powell said the replacement will be ADA-compliant and sized to fit the existing use zone. Powell explained the preferred model includes mulch and turnkey installation; one supplier was offering twice the usual mulch amount as part of a sale, which Powell said could let staff refill another playground area. He also noted some quotes were on sale and that GameTime quotes were not yet received but could arrive before the council packet deadline.

Meeting participants asked about shading, warranty and materials. Powell said the recommended unit has no shade canopy but will be placed near an existing shelter, discussed warranties and past experience with repairs, and explained mulch choices (wood vs. rubber) and maintenance considerations. He said many color pigments fade over time and that staff can select colors to match the city’s emerging branding palette.

The group agreed the staff recommendation would present three prioritized options to the city council at the next council meeting; a motion to accept the three recommended quotes passed. Meeting attendees present at roll call included Adam Graybill, Ron Reeser, Pamela Buffington, Roy Jackson, Jerry Alexander, Chris Graves and Shelby; the meeting recorded the vote in the affirmative and the motion carried. After council approval, Powell said he would issue a purchase order and pick final colors.

Participants also discussed funding for other park projects. Staff reported capital budget funds are available for playground replacement at Whittaker Park, and that the department is pursuing a build grant (up to $300,000) for equipment at Bobby Buck Park; if the grant is awarded, some capital previously earmarked for Bobby Buck could be reallocated. A short public survey about Bobby Buck equipment was distributed to gather input.

Next steps: the staff will present the prioritized quotes to the city council, Powell will finalize colors and place the order after council action, and staff will continue pursuing grant funding for Bobby Buck. The removed jungle-gym slide and unsafe equipment at Whittaker Park will remain out of service until replacement is installed.