Council approves $2.15 million replacement of playgrounds at five city parks

The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved July 28 the purchase and installation of playground equipment for five city parks at a not-to-exceed total of $2,145,661.81.

Staff told council the work will use a piggyback agreement with Rep Services Inc. (a Clay County contract) for procurement and installation. The contract authorizes the city to buy playground systems and related site work; a separate task order lists park-level budgets and equipment selections.

Shane LeBlanc, public works director, said much of the existing equipment is outdated and parts are no longer available; replacements will be ADA-accessible. The purchase covers Veterans Memorial Park, Gunner Paul Park, Ellis Herald Park, the Train Depot site and Shepherd Park. The total includes a 5% contingency. Staff provided a per-park breakout: Veterans Memorial Park about $342,332; Gunner Paul about $425,000; Ellis Herald about $215,000; Train Depot about $898,000; Shepherd Park about $266,000 (total $2,145,661.81).

Council members asked that staff coordinate the Veterans Memorial Park installation with the DAR grant proposal and the city’s parks master plan so elements are consistent across the site and with future park improvements. Council asked staff to order long-lead equipment now while field siting was finalized so construction can proceed in the coming months.

The council’s approval authorizes use of budgeted FY24–25 funds to purchase and install the equipment from Rep Services under the piggyback agreement; the rep services agreement itself was approved as a separate agenda item at the same meeting.