Committee recommends accepting $190,000 in grants for Duke Park playground surface, seeks emergency legislation to expedite work

The Recreations and Park Committee recommended that city council authorize the director of public conservators service and safety to accept grants from the Troy Foundation and the UVMC Community Benefit Fund to help pay for playground equipment and a new turf surface at Duke Park.

Staff (Mister Tindigern) told the committee the total cost of the playground was approximately $250,000 and the two grants together would pay about $190,000 for the surface. He said the grants were awarded after the 2025 budget included funding for the project, and that because the surface is not on the state cooperative-purchasing list the city must advertise for formal bids. “Unfortunately, this did not, qualify, and so we do need to, advertise for bids,” he said.

Committee members asked whether the park board had finalized turf specifications and about donor recognition; staff said the park board would have input on color and that donor recognition (for example, a logo on the surface similar to the stadium) was a caveat the board understood. A committee member moved to proceed and the group voted unanimously to forward approval to council; staff requested emergency legislation to accelerate contracting and the committee agreed.

The recommendation forwarded to council includes authorization to accept the two grants, go to formal bidding because cooperative purchasing does not apply, and proceed with contract award and scheduling once bids are evaluated.