Council approves budget adjustment to replace West Ellensburg Park playground

The Ellensburg City Council voted Feb. 17 to authorize a budget adjustment and purchase of a new playground for West Ellensburg Park.

Parks and Recreation Director Bradcase told council the existing 29-year-old playground needs replacement and that PlayCreation provided three concept plans. The city has secured a $20,000 Rotary Club grant and expects the Rotary Club to assist with a community build that will save an estimated $30,000 in installation costs. Staff requested an additional $40,000 from REIT funds to complete the purchase; the staff report referenced a roughly $150,000 project budget and indicated roughly $1.2 million remains in the REIT 2 account that can be used for parks projects.

Bradcase said the existing playground will be demolished and disposed of (staff noted reuse is difficult because of material condition and preservatives). The selected concept emphasizes inclusive play elements, sensory features, accessible surfacing in the main toy area and additional swings. Staff proposed starting site work within three weeks and completing installation by June 1, 2026.

A council motion to authorize the budget adjustment and purchase passed after a second; the transcript records two council members opposed but does not name them. Councilmembers asked follow-up questions about reuse or surplus options for the old equipment, surfacing materials and seating, and staff said they would add seating and consider repurposing the old bench where possible.

The project will be funded from REIT 2 funds with supplemental budget adjustments approved by the council.