Council approves $274,450 purchase of 246 recycled‑plastic picnic tables for city parks

Rochester Hills City Council authorized purchases totaling $274,450 to replace picnic tables across multiple city parks, approving 246 tables made of recycled composite plastic intended to reduce maintenance and extend service life.

City staff said the bid process attracted 23 responses and, after qualifications, the city selected low bidders in each category. The authorized purchases are: 224 six‑foot composite tables and 14 hexagon tables from Superior Recreational Products (Carrollton, Georgia) for $263,690, and eight eight‑foot tables from Go Outdoor Amenities LLC (West Melbourne, Florida) for $10,760, for a total not to exceed $274,450.

Parks staff said most purchases are one‑for‑one replacements, with the highest counts going to Spencer Park (114 six‑foot tables) and Bloomer Park (113 six‑foot tables), and smaller allocations for Borden Park and other sites. The hexagon tables are a smaller portion of the order and will be placed at select locations where they fit the site layout, staff said.

Councilmember Mangioli asked whether new tables reduced inventory; staff said the purchases are primarily replacements and will not reduce the number of tables available. Staff also said the composite material is recycled plastic and that maintenance and watering plans for plantings around signs (discussed earlier on the agenda) would be handled within existing crews and budgets.

Councilmember Mangioli moved the resolution; Councilmember Moreland seconded. President Diehl read the resolution approving the purchases and authorization for contract execution; the motion passed unanimously.

Staff said composite tables are expected to reduce long‑term labor for repairs and replacement of rusted or deteriorated wood components.