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Palm Desert staff outline $160,000 design plan to update Civic Center Park playground; construction eyed for July
Summary
City staff presented plans to replace uneven concrete, add autism‑sensitive and accessible play features, and expand shade at Civic Center Park. A design contract with Michael Baker/Insight totals about $160,000; staff reported 147 public survey responses and aims to bid in June, build July–September.
Sean Muir, Community Services Manager in Public Works, told the City Council on May 22 that the Civic Center Park playground needs targeted repairs and an upgrade to better serve families and children with sensory needs. "Some of it has become uneven," he said of the concrete around the play area, and noted the slide was damaged "That's $30,000 plus." Muir said the playground has reached its reasonable life expectancy under ASTM guidance (roughly 15 to 20 years) and that the city intends to preserve large trees while replacing surrounding flatwork and play equipment.
Muir said the city has a design and engineering contract with Michael Baker International and subcontractor Insight Landscape Architecture, with a total design contract amount of about $160,000. He described the scope to include demolition, grading, flatwork and concrete between playground sections, new and expanded shade structures, and a change‑order addition of landscape and irrigation.
The project team emphasized accessibility and sensory accommodations: the plan incorporates autism‑certified play features and quieter, view‑through domes to provide a low‑stimulation space for children who might become overwhelmed on a busy playground. "We got a 147 responses," Muir said of a short community survey, which staff called a successful turnout for the engagement window; the outreach also included two in‑person events where staff distributed popsicles and solicited input.
Renderings shown to council illustrate an expanded west‑side footprint, more shade and nature‑based play elements such as faux‑wood climbing features, rock elements and accessible swings. The scope preserves existing 2022 fitness equipment and its shade. Muir said staff expects to finalize construction plans and the bidding package in June, begin construction pending permits in July, and aim for completion in September so the park is ready for the season.
Council members asked several clarifying questions. One member confirmed pavilions will be repainted rather than reshaped; another requested that staff collect usage data on the existing fitness equipment before repeating similar installations at other parks. Mayor Pro Tem Truby and the Parks & Recreation Committee were reported to have given broadly positive feedback and to have recommended inclusion of autism‑sensitive elements similar to those at Freedom Park.
Next steps: staff will finalize plan check and the bidding package in June, circulate the construction bid, and return to council as required during permitting and procurement.
