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Seaford council orders removal of Jay’s Nest playground, approves phased replacement planning
Summary
Council unanimously approved removing most equipment at Jay’s Nest after a structural assessment found large areas beyond useful life, and authorized a community survey, drainage redesign and a matching grant submission for phased replacement.
Seaford’s mayor and council voted unanimously March 10 to remove deteriorated equipment at the Jay’s Nest playground and begin a phased process to replace it. The Parks and Recreation Committee recommended the action after an assessment showed roughly two‑thirds of the playground requires immediate removal for safety.
Miss Newcomer, presenting the committee’s findings, told council “the committee's recommendation is obviously sadly to go ahead and take down what is out there just because of the safety of children.” The report, completed with input from Tri‑State Community Partners, described a three‑phase plan: immediate removal and site remediation this spring, a six‑to‑12‑month period for community survey and fundraising, and a longer third phase for construction guided by community input and donor support.
Council members pressed staff on cost, materials and drainage. A councillor noted the public will want a sense of expected cost and asked staff to solicit detailed estimates; Miss Newcomer said the drainage must be corrected before installing new equipment. Council discussed using durable modern materials rather than wood to avoid repeating the current deterioration, and keeping some memorial placards and artwork by returning donor plaques to their owners for later reintegration.
Councilwoman Grasset moved the package of steps: authorize a public survey for input on desired features; close and remove playground elements due to structural deterioration; request an updated drainage proposal from the city engineer (George Miles & Burr); and approve submitting a matching grant (75% grant request with a 25% local match) for inclusion in the FY27 budget. Councilman Quillin seconded the motion, which passed by unanimous voice vote.
Next steps: staff will distribute the community survey, seek cost estimates and drainage proposals, and pursue grant opportunities while coordinating donor recognition for items retained for artistic reuse.
