Council approves three playground replacements in 2025 capital program
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Summary
The council approved replacement playground equipment at Austin, Ivy Hills and Olympia parks, including installation and a new sport court overlay at Olympia; staff said neighbors were consulted on designs and color schemes.
The Blaine City Council approved three playground replacement projects included in the 2025 capital plan: Austin Park, Ivy Hills Park and Olympia Park. Each approval included purchase of new equipment and installation; Olympia Park also includes a sport-court surface overlay.
Senior Recreation Manager Jerome Krueger said staff sought neighborhood input via the parks board, social media and meetings. Two of the playgrounds are 18 years old and one is 20 years old; all three still had older plastic edge curbing that the city plans to replace with concrete curbing to reduce maintenance. Krueger provided cost breakdowns in the packet: Austin Park equipment and install not to exceed $100,000 (equipment $67,203; installation $32,797); Ivy Hills equipment and install not to exceed $115,000 (equipment $78,548; installation $36,379); Olympia Park equipment with installation for $80,000 and a $20,000 sport-court overlay.
Council members praised the outreach. Council Member Robertson thanked staff for engaging residents early and noted the process helps ensure equipment choices fit neighborhood needs. The council approved the purchases and installations by individual motions: Austin moved by Council Member Ford (seconded by Council Member Newland), Ivy Hills moved by Council Member Massolia (seconded by Council Member Newland), and Olympia moved by Council Member Robertson (seconded by Council Member Miss Solia). All three motions passed by voice vote.