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Council approves pursuing larger grant for accessible playground; will use higher vendor estimate in application
Summary
The council authorized staff to pursue a grant application using the higher Flagship Recreation estimate to improve the chances of securing funding for an inclusive playground; staff said the grant could cover about half the project (roughly $100,000) but the city would reassess if the grant is not awarded.
The Stewartville City Council authorized staff to proceed with a grant application for an inclusive playground project, approving the park board’s request to use the higher vendor estimate to strengthen the application.
Staff and the park board told the council that multiple vendor estimates had been obtained for proposed site improvements (including pour-in-place surfacing and accessible play equipment). Although a lower estimate existed, the park board and staff recommended the higher estimate from Flagship Recreation, arguing that the higher-cost option better demonstrates a well-planned, high-quality project that aligns with grant priorities. Staff also noted that one portion of the grant application asked for American-made equipment, which influenced vendor selection.
City staff estimated (in discussion) that the grant might cover roughly half the project cost — an estimated figure mentioned during the meeting was about $100,000 — and said the council would reassess the project if the grant application is unsuccessful, including examining lower-cost bids or alternative funding sources. The council moved, seconded, and approved the request to move forward with the higher estimate on the grant application by voice vote.
Notes and clarifications: The transcript contains inconsistent park naming (the packet and comments referenced Bridal Park in one place and Green Park in another). That inconsistency appears in the meeting record; staff should confirm and clarify the official project location in follow-up communications.
