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Naples council picks PlayCore design for Cambier Park playground, authorizes negotiations
Summary
After months of public input and three shortlisted proposals, Naples council authorized staff to negotiate a construction contract with the PlayCore option for the Cambier Park playground, citing favorable shade, sight lines and warranty terms; staff will return with a final contract for approval.
City council authorized staff to begin final contract negotiations with the vendor behind the PlayCore proposal for the new Cambier Park playground, after reviewing three shortlisted designs and detailed presentations from vendors.
Chad Merritt, community services director, summarized the RFP process and the community'driven design priorities: maintain existing trees, maximize shade, provide inclusive surfacing and avoid exposed metal posts. Merritt told council, 22All the trees will remain22 and emphasized the committee'driven selection process that produced PlayMore, PlayCore (GameTime) and Miracle Recreation as finalists.
Council members debated sight lines, maintenance, proximity to athletic uses at Fleischmann Park, warranty length and local vendor presence. Supporters of the PlayCore proposal cited detailed thematic design (a banyan/treehouse motif), a 15‑year surfacing warranty and strong safety features. Opponents raised concerns about line of sight inside some enclosed play structures and the potential for higher cost; council asked staff to seek price and scope adjustments in negotiations.
The council vote authorized staff to negotiate with the PlayCore proposer; if negotiations fail staff may return to the council to pursue the alternate vendors. Final contract approval will return to council for award.
Why it matters: Cambier Park is a prominent downtown park and the playground will be a multi‑year capital project. The selected design prioritizes shade, accessibility and a nature/theater theme, and negotiations will determine final cost and specific modifications.
Representative quote: Community services director Chad Merritt said, 22There's not a tree leaving this site. All the trees will remain.22
