Playground safety concerns prompt review of mounds and shade in Belvedere park

Committee members and residents expressed concern about poured-in-place mounds at the community playground that multiple speakers described as tripping hazards, particularly for toddlers and older adults.

Associate engineer Chris Barry explained that the mounds were originally designed at roughly 6–12 inches high and approximately 6 feet in diameter but that constructability changes reduced spacing; he said the mounds use layered poured-in-place surfacing and that removing or substantially reworking them would require excavation down to the concrete base and repouring the cushion and colored top layers.

Members proposed several less disruptive options to improve safety and visibility, including a color-contrast treatment or redesign (for example, flattened wave forms rather than mounded waves) and commissioning a designer to propose feasible alternatives. Tony said staff could obtain cost estimates and review remaining playground funds to pay for changes; committee members suggested testing lower-cost fixes first (color or outline) and, if needed, pursuing removal and repour with a design that preserves the park theme.

On shade, residents said the existing triangular shade sails are too high to provide effective midday cover. Chris said lowering attachment points or adding welded eyelets might be possible but could require pole modifications; he offered to survey sun angles at different times and return with recommendations and ballpark costs. He noted that prior bids for triangular sails were about $8,000 per sail with three posts, though additional sails might be cheaper if posts exist.

Next steps: staff will collect design and cost estimates for mound remediation and shade modifications, invite additional public input at a future meeting, and consider using remaining playground funds or a targeted budget request.