Blaine Park Advisory Board recommends Option 1 for Jefferson Park playground

The Blaine Park Advisory Board voted on Nov. 25 to recommend Option 1 — a Forma product line — to replace the aging Jefferson Park playground and will forward that recommendation to the City Council for final approval. Jerome, park staff, told the board the playground was installed in 2006 and that parts are increasingly difficult to replace: "This playground was built in 2006," he said, noting faded slides and temporary plywood fixes.

Staff presented three vendor proposals and described Option 1 as offering multiple slides, climbing apparatuses, sensory elements and an expanded swing set that includes a baby swing and an ADA swing. Jerome said staff prefers the Forma line partly because the city has little existing Forma equipment and the third, higher-cost option exceeded the budget by about $15,000.

Commissioners who spoke supported Option 1 for usability across ages and abilities and for making better use of the playground footprint. One member said the Forma equipment had been well received at other local parks. After discussion Commissioner Neubert moved to recommend Option 1 and the board approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition.

Staff also said it will send three color-scheme mock-ups to nearby residents (a plum/seafoam option labeled AB, a 'brick' red option and a blue/gold/slate option) to gather neighborhood feedback before the holidays; the board will bring the community’s preferred color to council in January. Jerome said staff intends to order equipment after the new year if council approves the recommendation.

The recommendation is advisory; the City Council will take the final procurement and appropriation actions.