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Kennesaw council backs moving forward on expanded East Park playground, authorizes up to $1.6M to finish project
Summary
Council and staff agreed to pursue the full East Park playground as designed, directing staff to prepare a guaranteed maximum price and authorize reserve use so the project can proceed up to a $1.6 million 'not to exceed' budget to cover a roughly $450,000 shortfall.
Kennesaw city staff and council on Monday discussed rising costs for a planned relocation and expansion of Chalker Park into East Park and signaled support for completing the full playground design by authorizing staff to pursue a guaranteed maximum price and to use reserves if needed to reach a not‑to‑exceed budget of $1.6 million.
Parks and community development staff said the playground equipment and poured‑in‑place rubber surface package — a composite play structure with 21 play events for ages 2–12 — was estimated at roughly $1,415,738. Staff reported available funding of about $1,278,000, made up of a $500,000 developer contribution, roughly $478,000 in impact fees tied to the development, and $300,000 in parks impact fees approved in last year’s budget, leaving an approximate gap that would require additional reserve dollars to complete the full design.
"We have funding in the amount of approximately 1.278 — 1,278,000," Parks staff said, describing the mix of developer funds and impact fees. The mayor said the council’s preference appears to be to finish the park as planned: "So I'm I'm at 1.6, not to exceed 1.6." Councilmembers discussed options to scale back (removing parking or restrooms) or to add funding to preserve amenities such as restrooms, parking and pathway connections to Cherokee Street.
Councilors also questioned details about the poured rubber surface, sodded areas and irrigation. Staff and a vendor representative said the poured surface covers the playground zone, sodding will be used elsewhere on the site, irrigation needs depend on planting timing and selection, and poured rubber surface life is commonly 10–12 years or more depending on wear and maintenance.
The council asked staff to place an agenda item with a guaranteed maximum price and to authorize use of reserves to finish the project within the stated limit. Staff said they would return with the GMP and associated agenda items for formal action.
