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Board hears multiple quotes to fix playground drainage, considers phased approach
Summary
Board reviewed contractor quotes for playground drainage and surfacing, discussed wood mulch versus rubber/unified surfaces and asked staff to obtain removal-plus-drainage bids and consider spring timing for major work.
Board members reviewed multiple contractor options to address persistent playground drainage and surfacing problems and asked staff to get more detailed, removal-plus-drainage quotes ahead of a spring project.
Staff (S3) summarized a quote that combined removal labor (about $15,000) with material costs; unified poured rubber surfacing was discussed as a long-term option but was described as costly (estimates referenced by participants ran as high as $25–$30 per square foot). Board members and staff agreed the existing wood mulch base is saturated and that the underlying grade and drainage need correction before placing new surfacing.
Several members urged a two-step approach: remove the old mulch, fix drainage and base materials, then place new mulch or surfacing. S3 agreed to solicit a revised quote that separates removal, drainage work, base preparation and surface installation. The board also discussed interim safety measures—such as installing a temporary snow-fence perimeter—so children are kept from running into the street while permanent repairs are planned.
Principal (S8) described areas where the mulch has become waterlogged and recommended remediation: "It's been so saturated that it's just disintegrating the mulch in spots," S8 said.
What’s next: staff will request additional itemized quotes (including drain tile or base work), investigate alternative contractors (e.g., local landscaping firms) and return estimates so the board can weigh cost and timing for a spring remediation project.
