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Council green-lights planning for Rachel Runyon Park upgrades, considers playground options and safety rocks for skatepark
Summary
Council members discussed multiple improvement options for Rachel Runyon Park including playground equipment quotes (several options and a Kiwanis grant), a components package with swings and spinners, and low-cost rock barriers for the skatepark; a $2,000 donation from a local mini mart was announced.
During a work-session portion of the Aug. 5 Sunset City Council meeting, council members discussed a series of proposed improvements for Rachel Runyon Park and the adjoining skateboard park.
A council member identified as Hope presented five playground options priced within a budget cap of $13,000 per her review; the options ranged from a $9,100 seven-station outdoor fitness course to larger, unitary play structures. One play-structure option called “Simon Says” was priced at $14,549 before grant support; the Kiwanis Club has offered a $7,000 grant that would reduce the city cost for that option to about $7,500, per the presenter. Another option — a larger play structure sized at approximately 38 feet by 26 feet and 12 feet high, with three slides and learning panels — was estimated at $9,549.99 after the Kiwanis contribution. The presenter said all playground options included shipping and installation and had ADA-accessible transfer stations or ADA features where noted.
Council members discussed whether the existing sand volleyball court should be removed and incorporated into an L-shaped play area; public works staff cautioned that connecting new equipment to older existing equipment could present fit or compatibility issues.
Separately, the presenter priced a components package (swings, a merry-go-round, two pod spinners and a dual teeter-totter) at about $11,000 and noted “everyone wants swings.” The council asked staff to check applicable rules for swings and installation safety.
On the skateboard park safety issue, council members said a vehicle once drove into the skatepark area. The council discussed installing large landscaping rocks as a barrier; a local supplier, American Stone, offered to deliver heavy red stone rocks priced at roughly $100 or slightly less per rock. The presenter and staff suggested the city’s crew would place the rocks; the delivery and placement for about 10 rocks was estimated at roughly $1,000 total. Council members indicated they would proceed with that low-cost mitigation.
A local business donated $2,000 toward park efforts: meeting remarks referenced a local mini mart (owner named Bill) making the contribution; council members asked colleagues to thank the donor.
Council members indicated a general willingness to move forward with playground improvements and the skatepark rocks; the meeting record shows a head-nod “approval” to continue planning and work with public works, but no formal vote on purchase of playground equipment or rocks was recorded during the session. Staff said funds originally budgeted for Central Park had been reallocated to parks where work could proceed immediately and would be used toward these purchases.
Council directed staff and the presenter to continue refining cost estimates, finalize grant documentation with the Kiwanis Club if the city chooses the grant-eligible structures and coordinate installation logistics with public works.
