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Atchison approves $37,275 contract to replace Independence Park playground surfacing
Summary
The Atchison City Commission authorized hiring Great Southern Recreation to replace worn safety surfacing at Independence Park for $37,275.18; the work is budgeted in the 2025 CIP at $40,000 and staff said the project should proceed despite a grant shortfall.
The Atchison City Commission authorized city staff to hire Great Southern Recreation to replace worn pour‑in‑place rubber safety surfacing around the keelboat at Independence Park for $37,275.18, a contract amount the public works director said is within the 2025 CIP appropriation.
Public Works Director Clinton McNamee presented the project and said the CIP included $40,000 for the surfacing. McNamee told the commission the city had sought a waste‑tire recycling grant and discussed a potential cost share with the Riverfront Foundation, but the waste‑tire grant was not secured and the Riverfront Foundation discussion was not finalized. McNamee recommended proceeding because the surfacing "is in a significant need of replacement" and has outlived its expected service life; he noted modifications to a nearby splash pad should reduce future water‑related damage.
McNamee said the vendor pricing was procured through an existing purchasing cooperative, avoiding the need for a separate competitive bid. Commissioners asked whether the surfacing project addresses buried water or valve replacements; McNamee said valve work is a separate, budgeted item on the splash‑pad work and will not be part of the surfacing contract.
A motion to authorize staff to hire Great Southern Recreation for $37,275.18 was moved and seconded and carried on a voice vote with all members saying "aye." There was no recorded opposition or abstention.
Why it matters: the replacement restores safety surfacing at a heavily used playground and is budgeted within the city's 2025 capital improvements program. Staff recommended proceeding even without the expected grant to avoid further deterioration.
Implementation notes: staff said they will pursue a cost share with the Riverfront Foundation and continue to seek grant opportunities, but they recommended not making contract authorization contingent on receiving those funds.
