The Junction City Commission approved a $127,599.19 purchase of playground equipment from ATHCO for Hammond Park, but several commissioners asked staff to add more Americans with Disabilities Act–accessible features before final installation.

City parks staff said Hammond Park’s existing playground is old and replacement parts are increasingly difficult to obtain; staff recommended buying equipment through a cooperative purchasing contract and installing wood‑chip surfacing. "The playground service we use is ADA approved," a parks staff member told the commission, and staff said the selected design includes some accessible elements such as a spinner and transfer components.

Why accessibility and surfacing mattered in the discussion

Commissioners noted that fully ADA‑accessible play components and a rubberized surfacing are substantially more expensive than traditional wood chips. Parks staff said a fully accessible merry‑go‑round and poured-in-place surfacing can add tens of thousands of dollars (staff cited equipment and surface costs that, for some pieces, exceed $40,000). The commission directed parks staff to include additional ADA equipment in future budget planning and to explore grant opportunities for accessibility upgrades.

Funding and schedule

Staff said the capital improvements fund has roughly $300,000 remaining after other purchases; the parks team also plans restroom repairs and tennis‑court resurfacing in coming years. The parks department estimated a multi-month lead time: equipment typically takes about three months from order to delivery. Commissioners approved the ATHCO purchase and asked staff to return with options to add more accessible elements where feasible.