Parks staff recommends engineered replacement or trees for Doubletree Ranch shade after repeated vandalism

Brian Norton, assistant director of parks and trails operations and projects, told the board the existing chessboard-style shade fabric had sagged and been repeatedly vandalized and that staff removed it. Norton said staff replaced the fabric in 2023 at a cost of about $12,000 and the replacement was already damaged again.

Norton presented three primary options for replacement: a single 4-post engineered shade (photo example from Lewisville) with a 20-year structural warranty and 10-year fabric warranty at roughly $62,000 (including demo and turf repair); four 20x20 cantilever shades (similar to splash-pad shades) with 20-year structural and fabric warranties at roughly $64,008; or planting three bur oak trees (6-inch caliper) with a 1-year planting warranty at about $17,006 including demo, turf repair and irrigation. He also discussed using smaller-caliper trees (3-inch) which are easier to replant but will take longer to provide mature shade.

Board members asked whether the original contractor could retrofit the existing posts; Norton said vendors would not warranty an unengineered retrofit and one vendor quoted $41,000 for a retrofit without warranty. Staff emphasized safety and the need for engineered solutions; one board member noted past incidents where noncompliant installations led to liabilities. The board asked staff to return with detailed demolition and replacement cost estimates for options including removing the posts and restoring grass with multiple trees and landscaping so the board could recommend an approach to council.

No final recommendation was made at the meeting; staff will provide cost breakdowns and bring the item back for a future recommendation to council.