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Committee approves single‑source contract approach with Unlimited Play for all‑inclusive playground and greenlights fundraising plan
Summary
The committee authorized staff to proceed with Unlimited Play as the procurement path for the all‑inclusive playground, approved using Sourcewell contracting, and agreed to pursue Unlimited Play’s fundraising tools to offset costs and naming opportunities.
The Wildwood Parks and Recreation Committee voted to proceed with Unlimited Play’s proposal to provide design, equipment procurement and fundraising services for an all‑inclusive playground at Village Green, the committee decided at its June meeting.
Parks staff recommended using Unlimited Play’s Sourcewell cooperative purchasing path and a single‑source contract to accelerate procurement and meet an 18‑month grant completion window attached to roughly $575,000 in grant funding. Parks director Joe Vonich and committee members said the Sourcewell option would avoid an additional time‑consuming RFQ and allow the city to move faster on design and equipment procurement.
Unlimited Play representatives and staff told the committee Unlimited Play would provide a fundraising platform that lists the playground and individual equipment online for donors, offers naming opportunities and provides collateral the city can use in sponsor solicitations. Committee members discussed integrating smaller‑scale local fundraising items—benches, commemorative pavers or engraved bricks—into the Unlimited Play approach so residents can contribute at multiple price points.
The committee voted in favor of proceeding with Unlimited Play as the procurement and fundraising partner and directed staff to negotiate contract details, including the preferred installation contractor (Ideal Landscape Group was mentioned as Unlimited Play’s typical installer). A motion to proceed was made and seconded; committee members voted “aye” on the record.
Staff noted the playground procurement moves forward while separate Village Green priorities—such as the Essen log cabin or a permanent stage cover—remain subject to the committee’s priority decisions and available capital. Committee members asked staff to ensure the city’s website and newsletter link directly to the Unlimited Play donation page and to return with a sponsorship catalog and timeline in time for Celebrate Wildwood.
