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Jenkintown board hears playground vendor presentation, approves Legacy Park language pending contract details
Summary
A vendor for the proposed Legacy Park playground presented inclusive designs, ADA checks, materials and warranties; the board approved contract language for Legacy Park subject to final contract documents and discussed timing, lead times and contingency budgeting.
A vendor advocating for an inclusive, wood-and-rope playground presented designs to the Jenkintown School District board on May 18, and the board voted to approve Legacy Park contract language subject to completion of final contract documents.
The presenter said the company manufactures the equipment and plans to remain involved over the life of the project: “we are the manufacturer of the equipment, which is a unique position for us,” the presenter said, describing a phased plan that includes an embankment play area, a toddler zone and a larger “showstopper” structure. The vendor gave a capacity estimate of about 106 simultaneous users for the showstopper area and described a mix of poured-in-place rubber and engineered wood-fiber surfacing for different zones.
Board members pressed the vendor and staff on durability, maintenance and schedule. The vendor said the wooden elements and ropes carry a 10-year warranty and that hardware has lifetime warranties; a complimentary two-year service-and-inspection package is included to catch early wear. The vendor advised that poured-in-place rubber surfacing cannot be installed in winter, and that custom equipment lead times are roughly 10–14 weeks, meaning delays in ordering could push work into the following year.
Administrators and the vendor also discussed stormwater solutions: engineers described proposed seepage beds—rock beneath the play surface tied to perforated pipes—to slow runoff and connect to the existing drainage system. On scope and budget, administrators reported an approximately $1.3 million project estimate and said the team had included a roughly 10% contingency; some elements (including certain swing sets) were omitted now to stay within budget, with the possibility of adding them later if contingency funds allow.
The board approved the consent agenda item that includes Legacy Park language by voice vote with the understanding that final contract documents and drawings will reflect the elements discussed. The chair said the presentation “was a wonderful presentation” and the administration will bring final contract materials before the board for formal execution.
Next steps: staff will finalize contract documents and specifications, and the administration indicated it will communicate with the community and post detailed drawings when available.
