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Council approves $650,000 Imagination Station renovation grant application; city to be reimbursed for half
Summary
The board authorized Parks & Recreation to apply for a local Park and Rec Fund grant to renovate Imagination Station playground. Staff said the project cost is about $650,000 and the state will reimburse 50% ($325,000); the measure passed unanimously.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously to approve a grant application for the renovation of Imagination Station, a community-built playground dating to 1997, and authorized the mayor to sign grant documents.
Parks & Rec staff (S3) described a plan to replace most aging play structures, add new inclusive equipment and construct an ADA‑complete entrance. "This project would lead the original castle, intersection, courtyard, and pirate ship," Parks & Rec said, and staff emphasized preserving the iconic castle element and donor bricks where feasible.
Board members asked about scope, timeline and costs. Parks & Rec and city staff said the total project cost is about $650,000 and the grant would reimburse 50% (approximately $325,000) after the city pays invoices. Staff noted mulch is ADA‑compliant but discussed tradeoffs: poured‑in‑place surfacing improves head‑injury protection but is more expensive. A city administrator (S5) emphasized liability concerns, saying the aging wooden structure has deteriorated and replacement reduces ongoing risk.
The council recorded a unanimous yes vote to allow the city to apply for the grant and to authorize the mayor to sign required documents. Staff said they will put the project out to competitive bid and preserve donor bricks in the proposed entrance walkway where possible.
