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Commission approves replacement of Hampstead Kiwanis Park playground after residents cite safety concerns
Summary
Following several residents' petitions and multiple public comments, the board approved a purchase order to replace corroded playground equipment at Hampstead Kiwanis Park, citing safety and heavy coastal-environment wear on older equipment.
Pender County commissioners on Nov. 3 approved staff-recommended replacement of the playground at Hampstead Kiwanis Park after residents described corroded equipment, recent injuries and years of growing local use.
Multiple speakers during public comment — including Diane Venizale, Craig Minot, Lindsey Williams, Caitlin Brown and other community members — presented petitions and photos and pushed for immediate replacement and an inclusive design with a shade structure, benches and a splash pad. Venizale said she collected more than 500 signatures in recent weeks and showed photos taken at the park; others said the county's own parks staff recommended replacement as early as 2020.
Parks staff presented condition photos and proposed procurement strategy, saying the current playground (installed around 2005) has significant internal corrosion from the coastal environment. Staff identified a playground unit that includes a "coastal package" finish intended to better resist salt-air corrosion and proposed using a cooperative purchasing contract to speed procurement and reduce administrative costs.
"This is a one-time capital expense, not a recurring operating cost," staff said, noting the county general fund can cover the purchase. County staff also said the existing partnership with the Hampstead Kiwanis organization would continue; the board asked staff to meet with Kiwanis to identify potential local contributions and sponsorship opportunities. Commissioners and staff discussed complementary measures, such as upgraded restroom maintenance and adding surveillance cameras after hours to reduce vandalism.
A motion to approve the purchase order and associated base order agreement for replacement equipment was made, seconded and approved by the board.
Staff said they will coordinate installation timing to minimize disruption and will bring back details about the vendor's warranty and the Kiwanis partnership contributions.
