Board moves Hurley Park playground plan forward; Montessori offers $37,500 contribution

The Historic Preservation Board on March 6 recommended the Hurley Park playground design to the City Commission and recorded the proposed public-private funding arrangement.

Acting recreation director Mandy Edmonds told the board that the city has budgeted $140,000 in the CIP for the park this year. The selected playground and surfacing were quoted at $99,540.60; Montessori representatives offered a $37,500 contribution under a memorandum of understanding to cover part of the purchase and installation costs. Staff said the CIP contribution required after the Montessori amount would be $62,040.60 and that the remaining CIP balance would still leave funds available for other park priorities.

Edmonds described the proposed equipment and location: a compact play structure with hammock, slides, a mini-climber, a loop ladder, a play counter and umbrella shading, sited in the southwest corner of the pavilion area behind the left-field fence adjacent to the pickleball/basketball courts. Staff reported the installed play area capacity at 37 children. The presentation packet listed an age range that could not be confirmed from the transcript (the slide read “18 to 12”); staff should confirm the intended age range and fall-height specifications before purchase.

Board members and staff discussed siting and keeping open green space for other activities; the applicant (city parks staff) said contractors had viewed the location and confirmed fit. The board voted to recommend the design to the commission and instructed staff to complete an MOU with Montessori and proceed with procurement once funds are confirmed.

The board recorded that, following use of the MOU funds, the city will be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the playground.