City unveils Tatlock Playground ‘owl’ design; fundraising needed for full plan

David Guida, assistant director of Community Programs and Parking Services, presented designs for the Tatlock Playground renovation, describing two budget options and a fundraising plan to complete the project this calendar year.

Guida said the design focuses on a nature theme and includes a large “owl” tree structure, an exploration area for younger children, play structures sized for ages 2–5 and 5–12, and a wood‑look finish made from recycled plastic. Competing options give the city two scope choices: Option A with an estimated cost of $1,300,000 and Option B at just over $1,000,000, the latter removing or scaling several features.

Why it matters: The park serves Washington School and neighborhood families; part of the playground land is owned by the Board of Education and some equipment requires long lead times. City staff said a rapid, focused fundraising campaign tied to community events could allow procurement and construction within 2025 if the council approves moving forward with the concept.

Funding and schedule: Guida said the city currently has $852,000 in funding identified (including a proposed $500,000 in the upcoming budget that had not yet been adopted). If that $500,000 is approved, the city’s remaining fundraising goal would be about $191,000 for the full Option A features, or $463,000 to fund the complete Option A package. Guida described a concise fundraising timeline: March–July for campaign work, a commitment to order long‑lead pieces such as the owl and tree structures in May, and construction beginning late in the year if fundraising proceeds as planned.

Board of Education coordination: About 20% of the playground footprint is Board of Education property; Guida said the city is coordinating design and schedule with the Board because school playground renovation schedules and grant pursuits affect timing.

Council members, including Smallwood and Loyer, praised the student‑driven design input and asked about warranties and contingency plans if fundraising fell short. Guida said main play structures have manufacturer warranties (some lifetime warranties apply to primary structural components; other parts carry multi‑year warranties depending on the item) and that the vendor can scale the project if necessary so a playground can be installed by year‑end even if the full fundraising goal is not met.

Guida said renderings would be posted publicly and that staff would begin grant applications and fundraising outreach with local nonprofits, including the Elks. He asked for informal council support to proceed with fundraising and supplier procurement based on the presented design.