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Parks staff show new play-structure options for B Street and Pioneer parks
Summary
Tumwater parks staff told the commission on May 20 that a replacement play structure at B Street Park opened the same morning (unit cost $46,000) and presented two larger Pioneer Park options that staff estimated at $300,000 to $500,000, with installation included and an expected life of roughly 20 years.
Tumwater Parks and Recreation Commission members on May 20 heard a staff update on play-structure replacements and design options for several city parks, including a completed replacement at B Street Park and a set of larger proposals for Pioneer Park.
Staff said the new B Street play unit "opened this morning" and that "the toy itself was $46,000," with new surfacing and concrete ramps installed to provide ADA access. The staff presentation noted that the work was funded in this year’s budget after earlier inspections showed cedar post rot and safety concerns on the previous 20–25-year-old unit.
At Pioneer Park staff presented two design options. One is a mid-size climbing-and-slide structure with separate toddler elements and two basket-style ADA swings; staff said that option, including installation, was in the neighborhood of $300,000. A larger ‘‘wow-factor’’ option with multiple platforms and a taller tower was described as closer to $500,000. Staff summarized typical lifespan expectations for large composite/metal structures as "probably about 20 years." Lead time from order to on-site installation, if the commission chose to proceed quickly, could push delivery into September.
Commissioners discussed several site-specific issues for Pioneer Park: recurring flooding and bank erosion that periodically inundate the existing playground footprint; visibility and safety concerns for enclosed or heavily themed play shells; heat absorption of dark-colored slides; and whether the existing play location should be moved to higher ground near restroom facilities. Staff said any bank-stabilization or relocation work would require coordination with ecology regulators and local tribes, who have expressed preference for more natural shoreline approaches and have fish-protection concerns.
Commissioners asked about play elements and accessibility. Staff said some proposed features — including the basket swings and transfer-capable elements — are designed to allow users of different ages and abilities to use the same equipment. Commissioners also discussed color schemes, maintenance implications of enclosed aesthetic shells (which can obstruct sight lines), and the additional fall-zone space that larger structures create, which affects what else can fit in a park’s play area.
No formal procurement decision was made at the meeting. Staff said the city council must approve funding for larger purchases, and that staff would return with additional cost options and a color chart if the commission requested more input.
The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for June, when commissioners expect to revisit play-structure design detail and prioritize potential capital requests for the current biennium.
