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Council approves purchase and budget adjustment for West Ellensburg Park playground
Summary
Council authorized a budget adjustment and approved purchase of a new inclusive playground at West Ellensburg Park, funded from the parks budget with a Rotary Club grant and volunteer installation expected to reduce costs; staff anticipates demolition and site prep within weeks and aimed for installation by June 1, 2026.
The Ellensburg City Council authorized necessary budget adjustments and the purchase of new playground equipment for West Ellensburg Park after a staff presentation and Q&A.
Brad Case, parks and recreation director, explained the city budgeted $150,000 for the playground in the 2026 budget. The Rotary Club has been working with the city, secured a $20,000 grant to help with equipment costs, and will participate in a community build that staff estimates will save about $30,000 in installation costs. Staff requested an additional $40,000 through existing funds to cover the purchase price. Case said the existing 29‑year‑old playground is reaching the end of its useful life and that replacement parts are becoming unavailable.
The selected concept includes accessible features (sensory play panels, a multi‑child ‘big toy,’ swings including an inclusive cargo-net swing, a merry‑go‑round style element, a musical instrument feature, engineered wood fiber fall surfacing and a synthetic ‘playground grass’ surface in part of the footprint). Councilmembers asked about disposal or surplus options for the old equipment, seating plans for caregivers and waste‑diversion opportunities; staff said the old wooden equipment will likely be demolished due to deterioration but that they will attempt to repurpose or surplus usable components.
Council moved and seconded the authorization; a voice vote followed and the motion passed. Staff said they anticipate starting site preparation within three weeks and hope to have the new playground installed by June 1, 2026.
