Osage Beach aldermen approve $197,933 playground for Peenock Park after debate over budgeting process

The Board of Aldermen on Oct. 16 approved the purchase of a new playground for Peenock Park with a final contract price of $197,933.

Harry Gregory, parks and recreation manager, told the board the playground committee ran public outreach and collected 744 survey responses. "Of Osage Beach residents only, Playground 2 received 62.2% of the votes," Gregory said, and added the project fits within the park improvement plan and the $200,000 the city had set aside for park work. "The final budget was $197,933, which we were allotted $200,000, so we kept under budget," he said.

The city chose Playground 2 after the committee narrowed more than 20 renderings to three. Gregory said the design offers options for ages 5 to 12 and that the vendor (Burke) participates in cooperative purchasing programs the city can use. He told the board staff aims to install the play surface in spring and would like the playground in place before Memorial Day 2026.

Several aldermen supported the purchase as a locally desired amenity. "We need more family-friendly things for our local people," Alderman Joe Moroz (seconding the motion) said during debate. Mayor and other supporters noted the fall festival public input and the parks master plan listing for a playground, shelter and splash pad.

Other members criticized the way the item was presented. Alderman Ron Rucker said the playground was not specifically listed as an item in the adopted budget and argued the board should follow a more explicit budget-amendment or transfer process before approving large capital expenditures. "There's a process that we are eliminating, and I'm not — I support the playground, but I'm opposed to how we're doing this," Rucker said.

Assistant City Administrator April Waite and City Administrator Devon Lake said the funds are available in the park improvements line item and that staff brought the request to the board for approval rather than proceeding without board action. Waite said staff would have pursued grants on other projects but did not apply for a grant tied to this purchase.

After extended discussion the board voted to approve the purchase. The motion was made by Alderman Jonathan Hoffman and seconded by Alderman Moroz; a roll call was taken with members recorded on the public record during the meeting.

Staff said installation will follow procurement and vendor scheduling and that surfacing requires favorable temperatures, which is why installation is planned for spring 2026. Gregory said the design can be expanded later to add inclusive elements for children with disabilities through community partnerships.