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Hays approves new Massey Park playground under $120,000 budget
Summary
The commission approved purchase and installation of a new playground unit for Massey Park from Aspire2Play for $119,363.25, within a $120,000 budget allocation. Staff stressed longevity and accessibility and discussed surfacing and potential shade additions.
Jeff Boyle, director of parks, presented the need to replace the Massey Park playground, installed in 2002 and now past typical service life. Boyle said parts are no longer available for some elements of the existing unit and that the selection committee reviewed 23 proposals and narrowed the choice to two finalists.
Staff recommended a unique Aspire2Play unit that committee members said was unlike existing equipment in Hays and included features for older and younger children. Boyle noted that proposals included equipment, rubber safety surfacing, ADA ramps and an on-site supervisor supplied by the vendor to shorten installation time and reduce city labor costs. The project was explicitly budgeted at $120,000 and the recommended proposal totals $119,363.25.
Commission discussion covered durability in Hays’ sun, the value of rubber surfacing (longer lasting than wood chips), possible future shade structures and the idea of including at least one accessible piece of equipment across the city’s four master parks. Commissioner Cunningham moved approval of the Aspire2Play proposal; Commissioner Reuter seconded. The commission approved the purchase on a voice vote.
Action: Approve Aspire2Play proposal for Massey Park for $119,363.25 from the 2025 special park and recreation budget.
