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Committee forwards $102,837 playground purchase for Connor Park; council members ask about accessibility and surfacing
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to forward the proposed purchase of playground equipment for Connor Park — $70,652.53 from Buell Recreation (KCDA) and $32,184.54 from CME — to the May 20 consent agenda. Members raised questions about ADA access, seating restraints for spinning elements, surfacing and replacement scheduling for other parks.
The Federal Way Parks & Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to forward to the May 20, 2025 consent agenda the recommended purchase of new playground equipment for Connor Park, with equipment costs totaling $102,837.07.
Parks staff described a two‑vendor approach: the primary structure from Buell Recreation (procured via KCDA) for $70,652.53 and a secondary “temple trolley” feature from CME (on a DES contract) for $32,184.54. Staff said the purchase is funded in the Parks Department capital project fund and that installation is estimated at under $25,000.
Staff emphasized inclusive design elements. The main structure includes a 360‑loop slide with a transfer area and an “arrow spinning chair” that is designed for transfer height and sensory benefit. The temple trolley is a zip‑line style, free‑spinning feature inspired by Dr. Temple Grandin’s work intended to provide calming rotational movement for users with sensory needs.
Council Member Seva Dawson asked whether the spinning device had a seat belt; staff said the spinning chair does not use a conventional seat belt and is designed with a tilted seat to help keep users secure, and that the temple trolley has an optional child‑style seat with a buckle but that adding restraints can limit accessibility for some users. Staff said they would examine options for additional restraint or seating configurations for users with mobility needs.
Members pressed on surfacing and ADA access. Staff said the playground will include an ADA‑compliant entrance ramp and engineered wood fiber surfacing that meets industry standards for impact attenuation and an accessible route; staff estimated engineered wood fiber at roughly $10,000–$15,000 versus $75,000+ for pour‑in‑place resilient surfacing. The playground footprint will expand slightly but remain at the same general location in the park, with benches and picnic tables planned.
Council Member Honda and others asked about age targeting; staff said the selected main structure is primarily rated for ages 5–12 but observed that younger children often use larger structures within their comfort limits. Members also discussed the parks system replacement schedule: staff said playgrounds are generally planned on a 15–20 year lifespan and that constrained funding has delayed replacements since before COVID; Celebration Park’s replacement was identified as the next large project and might cost in the $600,000–$1,000,000 range.
The committee moved and seconded a motion to forward the purchase to the May 20 consent agenda; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
