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Planning commission recommends approval of South Central Park playground replacement
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended approval for removal and replacement of the playground at South Central Park, with Snyder Recreation selected as contractor and a $15,000 donation from the North Ridgeville Rotary to fund a zipline feature.
The North Ridgeville Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval Jan. 14 for a playground removal and replacement project at South Central Park, 7565 Avon Belden Road.
Parks and Recreation staff ran a qualifications-based procurement and, with architect GPD Group, recommended Snyder Recreation to design and build the new playground. Jeff Snyder of Snyder Recreation said the replacement will occupy the existing playground footprint and will serve children ages 5 through 12. “The playground is replacing the current structure that we have in place that's been there since 1997,” Snyder said.
Snyder and design staff noted the project includes multiple ADA-accessible walkways from the parking lot and nearby paths, and that the site is shaded by mature trees. The North Ridgeville Rotary has pledged $15,000 toward the project and will fund a zipline feature shown on project drawings.
Commissioners asked technical questions about the zipline and other equipment. Staff and the applicant said the zipline uses nylon-covered steel rope and is designed to avoid configurations that would allow a loop to form. Kevin Fuggerousse, representing the project, said the nylon is wrapped around steel inserts and that the product is designed for durability. Commissioners also discussed the placement of swings relative to the zipline and were told the 3-D rendering under-represents the final layout; the zipline will be set slightly farther back from the swings to avoid conflicts.
The project team said wood-fiber surfacing will be used for safety surfacing and that staff expects to break ground in February, pending procurement and permitting, with an anticipated opening in spring.
Several commissioners reported contacting prior clients listed in the vendor's references; those references described Snyder Recreation as responsive, on-time and effective at handling unforeseen site challenges. Based on the proposal, references and staff recommendation, Commissioner [name not specified in transcript] moved to recommend approval; the motion passed by roll call: Commissioners Steve Ali, Frank Toth, Schuman, Abins and Chairman James Smolik voted yes.
The recommendation will allow Parks and Recreation to proceed with contract execution and final construction scheduling. Staff will continue coordination on final equipment layout, surfacing and accessibility details before construction begins.
