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Parks board advances ‘adventure’ playground design, sends purchase toward council approval
Summary
The Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation Board voted to remove a playground bid from the table and advance an "adventure" (VentureVille) playground design to City Council for approval; staff said cooperative contract pricing keeps the two vendor bids largely cost‑comparable.
The Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation Board voted to move forward with an “adventure” playground design after staff presented two competing vendor proposals and recommended the option that matched the board’s previously discussed clubhouse/treehouse theme.
Staff said the two cooperative‑contract bids — described in materials as VentureVille and GameTime — were roughly comparable in price, and that the department favored the Adventure/VentureVille design for its aesthetic fit and vendor responsiveness. “From a staff perspective, I think we’d lean more toward the adventure build,” a parks staff member said, noting durability and solid (non‑hollow) components as advantages.
Board members asked about cost, customization and long‑term durability. Staff said both vendors are on a state cooperative contract and that custom colors would not add to price; they also noted alternatives to concrete components for cost control and said the heavier, solid pieces were preferred for vandal resistance and longevity.
After discussion the board voted to remove the playground item from the table and then approved moving the Adventure/VentureVille design forward for the next step in the procurement process. One member recorded a dissent during the final voice vote.
Next steps: staff said the purchase will still require City Council approval because the anticipated procurement exceeds $50,000, and the item will be carried to a future council agenda for formal authorization.
