Board approves Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, $521,890 playground contract for Studwick Park

The Douglas County Board unanimously approved accepting a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and awarded a $521,889.92 turnkey contract to Playcor Wisconsin, Inc. (purchased through Omnia Partners) to construct an inclusive playground at Studwick Park. The board also approved a $232,380 budget transfer from the central county residential construction tax reserve to the parks improvement account and authorized the Community Services director to execute the contract and approve change orders up to 10%.

Brooke Adey, Douglas County community services director, introduced the project and said county staff and the Park and Recreation Advisory Board prioritized Studwick Park because of accessible parking and nearby restroom facilities. Ryan Stanton, deputy director of Community Services, described the design, which will replace the existing playground with a larger accessible layout, pour‑in‑place surfacing, specialized swings and sensory equipment. Stanton said the county expects the project to be a national demonstration site showcasing inclusive play — the first such demonstration site in Nevada.

The funding plan includes a 50/50 match between the Land and Water Conservation Fund and county funds drawn from room tax and residential construction tax. The board approved a joiner contract through the Omnia Partners cooperative purchasing agreement; the contract price covers equipment, surfacing and installation. Commissioners authorized the Community Services director to allocate additional residential construction tax funds from Central County as they become available to complete the project.

Commissioner Tolbert pressed for a maintenance and testing plan for the playground surfacing, noting that compliant surfaces can degrade under ultraviolet exposure and need periodic verification of firmness and stability to remain accessible. “They have to be inspected and maintained frequently, to ensure continued compliance,” Tolbert said. County staff agreed to include maintenance obligations and to verify installer compliance with manufacturer specifications; staff said they will return with more details on long‑term upkeep and testing schedules.

Public commenters described community advocacy and volunteer fundraising that helped create momentum for the project. Gary Dove, a Park and Recreation Advisory Board member, provided historical context for the project and noted community fundraising and advocacy from service clubs. James McCallop urged the county to publicize how restricted funds are used in order to address residents’ concerns about competing infrastructure priorities. No board members opposed the project.