Council approves $349,963 Mosasaur playscape and unitary surface for Red Run Park after procurement questions

Council voted to accept a PlayCore (d/b/a GameTime) proposal to supply and install an ADA-compliant custom Mosasaur playscape, accessories and freight for Red Run Park at a cumulative cost of $349,963.02 and authorized the city manager to sign the proposal.

Purchasing Director Eric Skirda described the procurement path: the city used an existing competitively awarded cooperative contract (national cooperative sourcing, referenced to a Charlotte, N.C. competitively let RFP) and said a vendor discount offered at a national conference produced a 40% reduction from list price for this specific display model. Skirda said the city could have run its own RFP, but staff determined the cooperative contract and the conference discount provided a better price and speed to delivery.

Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Langloy described the structure as a unique, out-of-the-box play element — the city identified only one other identical structure in the country — and said the project includes the city's first large unitary (synthetic) safety surfacing, approximately 3,500 square feet, intended to improve accessibility for people with mobility aids and reduce maintenance compared with engineered wood mulch. Staff said surfacing carries a typical 10-year warranty and that the full park build-out is scheduled for completion in 2026; the play structure will be delivered and held until installation near the end of the construction sequence.

Residents who spoke during public comment praised the design and accessibility, and council members asked procurement and warranty questions. Council discussed the procurement rationale, product durability, accessibility benefits and neighborhood needs for other park amenities before approving the item by voice vote.