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Council’s CIP lists Sleepy Hollow playground replacement for 2026; staff seeks neighborhood input this fall
Summary
Staff presented plans for a 2026 playground replacement at Sleepy Hollow Park: the current structure is 20+ years old, has no swings, and staff are soliciting neighborhood feedback through a survey and an Oct. 21 open house before returning design options to the commission in November.
Parks staff presented a status update Sept. 10 on the Sleepy Hollow Park playground replacement project, which is included in the city’s 2026 capital improvement plan. Adam Moss, park and recreation director, said the playground is more than 20 years old and that the replacement is planned for 2026; final CIP approval for 2026–2030 remains subject to council action.
Staff explained the reasons the current container will likely be expanded to accommodate swings and newer safety‑zone requirements. Expanding the play area would require moving the play surface westward and would necessitate removal of one mature tree; park staff said they would replace trees using the city’s tree preservation/planting funds and the department’s nursery stock.
Park Superintendent Brian Spulboda and Moss described the public‑engagement plan: a mailed postcard and online survey (the survey opened Sept. 2 and is being promoted to nearby residents), an on‑site open house Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and a pair of design options to be prepared by Flagship LSI (a vendor on state contract that previously worked on Southern Lakes and Heritage Village projects). Moss said staff plans to bring two design options to the PRAC work session on Nov. 12 and to the regular Nov. 12 meeting for a recommendation to council; staff would seek council authorization to purchase in late 2025 to lock in 2025 pricing.
Moss and Spulboda discussed tradeoffs: expanding the play footprint will affect tree roots and mature trees, but the park includes existing shade that residents value. Spulboda explained that moving play surfaces closer to tree roots risks compaction and root damage; if expansion is required the team will replant and replace trees from the city’s tree replacement funds.
Staff said Flagship will use survey feedback to produce preliminary designs for the October open house; staff then will refine options and return to the commission for selection. Moss said the goal is to complete demolition and site work early in the spring so the new playground could open in late spring or early summer, pending final council approval and procurement timing.
