Ryan, Parks and Recreation Director, told the Yukon Park Board that the City Council approved funding in this year’s capital budget for four new playgrounds and staff has issued specifications to nine playground companies with a firm price cap of $49,999 per playground. "What we've asked is that the proposed proposals get turned back into us by August 8," Ryan said.

The four target locations are Dickinson Park, Taylor Park, Welch Park and the Greenbelt on the south side of East Vandement Avenue, just west of Independence Intermediate School. Ryan said the council included $250,000 for the four playgrounds in this year’s capital budget and that the selected sites were locations that previously did not have playground equipment.

Staff told the board they will evaluate proposals with an eye to accessibility, safety, flood-plain exposure, underground utilities, cost and ease of access. Ryan said the packet included suggested placement squares for each park but that staff will work with playground vendors and the public works and development services departments to refine locations; those departments will help identify underground utilities and flood-plain constraints.

Board members gave location feedback during the meeting: one member recommended the northeast corner at Dickinson, citing traffic and protection from parking damage; another noted that Taylor Park faces the greatest floodplain challenge. Ryan said all suggested locations will be considered and that the department is aiming to begin work this year.

No formal vote was taken; the board received the procurement update and will review proposals once they are submitted.