The Board of Aldermen voted to approve Option 2 for the Budweil Playground project, selecting a design with separate play structures for ages 2–5 and 5–12, synthetic turf safety surfacing and a perimeter curb; a perimeter fence will be installed only if required after final engineering. Ben Brown, director of project development for Vernon Jones, said the two-option process aimed to deliver a build this year despite long lead times for equipment: "the goal would be to select 1 of those to move forward timely with finalizing an actual order knowing the lead time to get the play equipment ordered and get a build in yet this year."

The project team said both design options fit the city's $500,000 project cap and that Option 2 came in about $600 less than Option 1. Brown described Option 2 as featuring a dedicated 2–5 area and a separate 5–12 structure, an ADA-accessible swing system and a "serenity spot" — a small booth intended to give children who need a quiet space a place to rest while remaining part of the play area. He also noted engineered changes made during site work, including a poured concrete retaining wall and a $19,000 contingency to cover possible rock removal if encountered during excavation.

The aldermen pressed project staff on several practical items: whether a poured wall would trigger a fence, how the perimeter curb would be constructed to protect the turf, and how many play events would be ground-level or transfer-accessible for children using wheelchairs. Brown said the retaining wall as proposed would be 92 feet long and 36 inches high and acknowledged that walls over the 30-inch threshold typically require a barrier; the proposal included either a 4-foot black aluminum fence or adjustments to wall height as options. Brown explained the perimeter curb would secure the turf's treated board and ease maintenance trimming.

After discussion about inclusion of musical elements, swing types and surfacing options, Alderman Mazurang made the motion to approve Option 2 with the synthetic turf and the perimeter curb and to include a fence only if required; Alderman Brightshaft seconded. The motion passed with the board voting "Aye."

The contractor-provided package the aldermen reviewed is a turnkey bid the city project team said includes demolition, excavation, drainage, the concrete retaining wall, installation of play equipment, unitary safety surfacing and restoration. The project team also presented add-on pricing for an edge curb and a coded perimeter fence as separate line items.

The board directed staff to proceed with final procurement and to return any revised contract documents or cost increases requiring written owner approval to the board before work on the retaining wall or other scope changes began.