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Council accepts Rotary donation and approves accessible merry-go-round for Gussie Field Waterworth Park
Summary
The City Council accepted a $40,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch and approved purchase of an accessible "We-Go-Round" playground unit for Gussie Field Waterworth Park, with the council committing the remaining funds.
The Farmers Branch City Council voted unanimously March 4 to accept a $40,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch toward installation of an accessible “We-Go-Round” playground at Gussie Field Waterworth Park and approved purchase of the unit through the BuyBoard cooperative program.
The donation was accepted by resolution R2025-024 before the council then approved a separate purchase resolution, R2025-025, authorizing the Parks and Recreation Department to buy a We-Go-Round unit from Landscape Structures at an estimated price of $93,042. After the Rotary contribution, the city’s net cost was presented at $53,042.
Why it matters: The We-Go-Round is a grade-level rotary play unit designed for children who use mobility devices so they can board and ride with other children. City staff and Rotary representatives said the equipment will increase inclusive play options at a park located adjacent to City Hall.
Parks and Recreation Director Robert Diaz introduced Rotary representatives and outlined the group’s decade-long partnership with Farmers Branch on accessible playgrounds. Scott Smith and Elizabeth Villafranca spoke for the Rotary Club; Villafranca described Rotary as “one of the largest service organizations in the world” and thanked city staff for the partnership.
Tara Bradley, parks planner, told council the equipment “accommodates users of mobility aids and assistive technology” and recommended the unit for Gussie Field Waterworth Park. Mark Moffett, park superintendent, described the finished installation: the We-Go-Round will be set flush with the rubber pour-in-place surface so a wheelchair user can roll on and ride safely with others.
Council members praised the Rotary donation and the project’s inclusivity. The motion to accept the Rotary gift passed unanimously; the subsequent motion to authorize purchase of the unit also passed unanimously.
The city will purchase the unit through BuyBoard, and staff said installation and final scheduling would follow standard procurement and site-preparation steps. No specific installation date was given at the meeting.
Votes at a glance: Resolution R2025-024 (accept donation, $40,000) — approved unanimously; Resolution R2025-025 (purchase We-Go-Round unit, $93,042 gross / $53,042 net after donation) — approved unanimously.
What’s next: Parks staff will finalize the BuyBoard order and schedule site work; Rotary representatives said they will continue to support fundraising and volunteer outreach for accessible play improvements.
