County approves applications for two playground grants at Big Eddy Park to upgrade equipment and surfacing

Melissa Enright, Columbia County general services staff, asked commissioners on Sept. 24 to authorize county grant applications to replace playground equipment at Big Eddy Park in Rainier and to pursue improved ground surfacing.

Enright said the county plans to apply for a GameTime grant (50% match) to secure a playground structure and for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) County Opportunity Grant to fund swings, a merry-go-round and rubber ground surfacing. She said the county has successfully used both grants in the past and that the GameTime application deadline is Oct. 17.

Enright told the board that engineered wood-fiber surfacing currently used at Camp Wilkerson meets ADA minimums but requires ongoing replenishment; rubber surfacing is longer-lasting, lower-maintenance and better for accessibility despite higher upfront cost. "With the ground, the rubber, it doesn't require that," Enright said of wood-fiber maintenance.

The board approved a resolution (Resolution 61-2025) authorizing the county to apply for the OPRD grant and approved staff proceeding with the GameTime application. Commissioners asked that council review any contracts that result from grant awards; staff said any contract from GameTime would be routed to counsel for review before signature.

Enright said the improved surfacing and new equipment would make Big Eddy Park safer and more accessible for year-round use; no county match beyond the grant match requirement was specified at the meeting.