Board reviews donor-funded Robins Park playground plan; contract advanced to second reading

Trustee Fisher presented item 6A: a proposal to contract with D & J Landscape Inc. for the installation of a new Robins Park treehouse-themed playground, funded in part by a donation from the Mather Giving Foundation in memory of Stuart Mather.

The presented installation contract amount was "not to exceed $312,653.07, including alternates 1, 2 and 3," with total project expenses estimated at $329,967.07, which staff said is below a previously estimated $380,000. The plan includes a treehouse theme, new swings, a 50-foot zip line and extensive landscaping (approximately 585 perennials and 11 shrubs).

Staff said nine bids were received, the lowest bidder withdrew and the second-lowest (D & J Landscape) remained and had positive references. A trustee asked whether the lowest bid was incomplete; staff replied it was noncompliant. Following discussion and thanks to staff and donors, the board moved the item forward to the second reading for formal consideration and vote at a later meeting.

Trustees did not vote to award the contract at this meeting; the board indicated construction could start in April 2026 with completion expected by June 2026 if approved at subsequent readings.