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Council approves Franklin Park all‑abilities playground design, cites partnerships and grants
Summary
Council approved a compact all‑abilities playground design for Franklin Park, leveraging $500,000 in city Quimby funds plus a $75,000 LA Kings Foundation gift and a $99,000 GameTime grant; staff estimates final net project cost near $315,000 and plans a summer 2026 installation.
The City Council unanimously approved a proposed design for an all‑abilities playground at Franklin Park and directed staff to execute a purchase and installation agreement with equipment vendor GameTime.
Elizabeth House, community services director, said the project was funded when the city’s FY24–25 budget allocated $500,000 from Quimby funds and that the LA Kings Foundation donated $75,000. Staff also secured a $99,000 grant from the California Parks & Recreation Society/GameTime program; after accounting for those contributions the final project cost was estimated at about $315,000.
House described the design as a single integrated, accessible play structure in a roughly 2,400 square‑foot footprint with ramping, sensory panels, accessible rockers and spinners, and perimeter sensory/interactive panels. Staff said GameTime will handle demolition, fabrication and installation and that equipment lead time is typically six to eight weeks once ordered; the target installation window is summer 2026.
Council members supported adding interpretive signage and a small commemorative treatment recognizing the LA Kings Foundation contribution; they also asked staff to consult the project playologist on small additional "fidget" amenities. Councilmember Kalajarovich motioned to approve the design, include city logo signage and author the agreement with GameTime; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
What’s next: Staff will finalize contract language with GameTime, coordinate engineering/footing work with the city’s engineering team, and return for any final administrative steps needed to begin fabrication and installation.
