Council approves up to 200 tons of masonry sand for park swing areas, holds lumberjack replacement for later

The council approved a bid to purchase up to 200 tons of masonry sand — quoted at $2,600 for 200 tons or $1,300 for 100 tons — to refill play areas at Coal Miners Park after staff and parks volunteers evaluated the site. Parks staff described weed removal, regrading and a rototilling effort that loosened existing sand and temporarily improved conditions. Staff said original quotes supplied a 100‑ton fill but, after measuring, they recommended up to 200 tons to ensure the exposed concrete footings were completely covered and to leave extra material for other park repairs including the Lumberjack play feature. “By breaking it up, it fluffed it up really well, and the kids were loving it,” a parks staff member said. The council approved the motion to accept the bid for up to 200 tons and to save the remaining material for next year if unused. Councilors also discussed holding off on a playscape removal and replacement at Lumberjack until access and un‑cementing work could be completed; parks staff said a childcare center’s used playscape had been quoted but could not be removed and installed without additional site work. Why it matters: The purchase addresses an identified safety concern at a playground where exposed concrete footings could create injury risk and demonstrates council use of a small capital purchase to address a frequently reported local parks maintenance issue.