Council approves $237,000 project to replace outdoor fitness equipment at Chisholm and Redbud parks

Hurst City Council authorized the city manager to proceed with replacement of outdoor fitness equipment at Chisholm Park and Redbud Park, awarding the project to Lee Park and Play Inc. and approving a not-to-exceed amount for the two-site project.

Assistant Director of Community Services Christie Weaver described the program: playground and park fitness equipment are typically replaced on a 15–17 year cycle, and the existing equipment shows wear that creates safety concerns. The Chisholm installation will replace 11 single-user pieces with four multi-user pieces including a multi-gym (Titan), a cardio climber, a pulley system (Versa) and another multi-gym (Helios). Redbud Park will retain two multi-user pieces plus a cardio climber due to space limits. Both sites will include shade structures and signage; equipment includes QR codes for exercise instructions.

Funding will come from the city's half-cent fund and park donations. Staff presented cost estimates of $127,884.90 for Chisholm Park and $98,644.95 for Redbud Park, with a project contingency that produced a combined authorization of $237,000.86 (amount presented to council as $237,000.857 in the motion). Council approved the authorization by voice vote.

Why it matters: Replacing worn or unsafe equipment reduces injury risk and updates facilities to allow several users simultaneously, increasing capacity. Staff said the equipment choices are used at high-end condominium developments and other public installations.

The project was approved to proceed; staff will manage procurement and installation and report progress to council as needed.