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Hudson council approves Oak Grove inclusive‑playground design after rejecting late motion to move it to Barlow Farm Park
Summary
The Hudson City Council voted 7–0 on June 17 to authorize a contract with GPD Group for design of an inclusive playground at Oak Grove Park, rejecting a last‑minute amendment (6–1) to instead fund design at Barlow Farm Park. Councilors debated costs, timeline and fundraising.
Hudson, Ohio — The Hudson City Council voted unanimously June 17 to authorize the city manager to enter into a contract with GPD Group for the design of an inclusive playground at Oak Grove Park and declared the measure an emergency, moving the project forward despite a late attempt to change the location.
Councilor Dr. Goetz moved to amend the consent agenda item to replace Oak Grove with Barlow Farm Park, saying the design for Barlow would cost roughly $50,000 rather than $100,000 and arguing the Oak Grove choice would increase net city cost by about $325,000. ‘‘It seems to me paying an additional $325,000 on another park space where Barlow was very good or even better than Oak Grove,’’ Goetz said during debate.
Supporters of Oak Grove, including Council President Foster and members of the park board and HIP (Hudson Inclusive Playground) group, said the site selection followed earlier direction and park‑board review and that changing locations now risked delaying or scuttling the project. Council President Foster criticized the late attempt to substitute sites as a ‘‘last‑minute twist’’ that could upend the project timeline.
The amendment failed on a roll‑call vote, six against and one in favor. Council then approved the original consent item 25‑95 as written by a 7–0 vote. City staff said the consultant would begin design work if council’s approval stood, with a design kickoff planned for the end of the month and a design footprint to be frozen to avoid scope creep. The city manager noted a 10% contingency is included in the full project rollup and that past contingency use has averaged lower than 10% on city projects.
Councilors and staff also emphasized outside fundraising will continue: the HIP group and Hudson Community Foundation plans to raise donations and reportedly can reduce the city’s net contribution. Park‑board members and event organizers said they will coordinate timing and a joint press release announcing the 2026 inclusive‑playground location when appropriate.
Votes at a glance
• Consent agenda item 25‑95 (GPD Group contract for Oak Grove inclusive playground; emergency): passed 7–0. • Motion to amend item 25‑95 to designate Barlow Farm Park instead of Oak Grove: failed 6–1. • Consent agenda (remaining items): suspended and passed by council as reported.
Next steps: Staff will begin consultant design work; the council and HIP group will continue fundraising and monitor contingencies and bids before final contract awards.
