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County to revert to engineered wood fiber for playgrounds after public concerns; cost under $5,000 paid from REET
Summary
Following feedback from constituents and tribal representatives, county staff said Mason County will use engineered wood fiber (approved wood chips) at Union Park and Walker Park rather than rubberized surfacing; the work is budgeted in REET and the estimated cost is about $4,830 for both parks combined.
Mason County staff on May 5 told commissioners the county will revert to engineered wood fiber for play-surface material at Union Park and Walker Park after constituent concerns about rubberized chips.
Staff said feedback came from residents, employees and a representative of the Squaxin Island Tribe; based on the input the county reviewed product safety and determined some rubberized products raised potential health concerns. Staff displayed samples and described the material the county will use as "engineered wood fiber," an approved playground surfacing product that county crews will install.
The county received quotes for the work and estimated combined costs of about $4,830 for both parks. Staff said the expense can be covered from the county’s Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) capital-improvements line and that, because the cost is under $5,000, an official contract action is not required. Staff asked commissioners to note the decision so the public knows the county will not use rubberized chips at the parks.
Commissioners supported moving forward and asked staff to coordinate public-works assistance for hauling and installation as needed.
