Council endorses concept for all-inclusive Village Green playground, $575,000 county grant reduces city cost

The Wildwood City Council voted to endorse the planning and parks committee’s recommended concept design for Phase 2 of the Village Green all‑inclusive playground at its March 10 meeting.

Director of Planning and Parks described the process that began in fall 2023 and said the committee chose a “premier” design that accommodates play for ages 2–5 and 5-and-older, with restroom access and multiple play components. The department’s letter to council identified three major components (play structures for different age groups and a restroom) that together comprised approximately $1,200,000 of the overall project estimate.

Planning staff and the council noted a successful application to the Municipal Park Grant Commission of St. Louis County; the commission awarded Wildwood $575,000, the stated maximum per-grant round. The director said the grant reduces the city’s net cost on the currently estimated $2,300,000 project to “well under $1,750,000.” The department expects further refinement in design to reduce budget pressure as the project moves from concept to engineering and construction documents.

Council member Edens moved to endorse the design; Council member Dodwell seconded. The motion passed by voice vote. Council instructions authorized staff to begin selecting an engineering firm to prepare construction plans and specifications; the department aims to begin construction this year and complete the facility by June 2026, subject to final design, bidding and funding.

Council members also asked about whether a water-play element would be included; staff said a water feature is not part of the current phase but remains a possible future addition.

No new appropriation was approved at this meeting; staff will return with engineering bids and a refined budget for council action.