Kentwood commission approves contract and equipment purchase for inclusive playground, citing donors and grant support

The Kentwood City Commission on May 8 approved a contract amendment with Triangle Associates and the purchase of playground equipment from Sinclair Recreation for an inclusive playground at the Kentwood Community Center.

Parks and recreation staff said the amendment authorizes up to $103,225 for additional construction services and the equipment purchase totals up to $273,322.45. "Before you is a request that the city commission authorize the mayor to amend the contract with Triangle Associates for additional construction services to prepare the site for playground construction in the amount not to exceed $103,225 and purchasing playground equipment from Sinclair Recreation, an amount not to exceed $273,322.45," the presenting staff member said.

Staff and volunteer leaders said the project is being funded through a capital campaign and a grant. A campaign representative said major commitments include a $100,000 gift from Amway and a $100,000 commitment from an organization identified as Laurie's Voice; staff also reported a grant award of $136,175.49 toward the project. "We have several donors that we're working with. Amway being one of our major donors," the campaign representative said.

The city memo identifies a remaining balance of about $176,000. The mayor pressed staff on contingencies: "If we approve it and it is not raised, how are we going to pay for it?" Staff said they are developing a contingency plan and coordinating with the Department of Public Works to prioritize safety‑critical capital projects, noting some projects (for example, playground surface work where there are hazards) are nonnegotiable because they are grant‑funded.

Commissioners expressed support for the campaign leaders' work and encouraged follow‑through on fundraising commitments. Commissioner Arts moved to approve the contract amendment and equipment purchase; Commissioner Tyson seconded the motion. The mayor called for a voice vote and the motion passed.

The commission did not record a roll‑call tally for the playground vote in the transcript; the motion was approved by the commission. Staff and volunteers said they will continue fundraising to close the remaining balance and that donor partnerships may yield additional future support for programming and site visits.

The project team described the playground as an inclusive destination intended to serve children with disabilities across West Michigan, and staff said the partnerships behind the campaign are expected to provide multi‑year engagement beyond this purchase.