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Board reviews flagship playground options for Ashwaubomay Park and funding constraints for 2027
Summary
Staff presented three playground concepts for Ashwaubomay Park and explained funding: park development funds (~$336,000) can cover part of a replacement but the village must credit the value of removed equipment to the general fund; board asked staff to refine designs and cost estimates for the 2027 budget.
Village parks staff presented three replacement concepts for two aging pieces of playground equipment at Ashwaubomay Park and sought the board’s guidance for what to include in the 2027 PRF budget.
David explained the options — a lighthouse/ship theme, a sea‑creature design and a vertical “bamboo jungle” concept — emphasizing that the goal is to add a more visible, accessible centerpiece without reworking the park’s whole footprint. “We’re looking to replace the two pieces of equipment that are in that picture with something that stands out a little bit more,” David said, adding that the park is one of the village’s busiest and that a flagship playground could draw families from the region.
Rex outlined how funding would work if the board pursued a larger playground: the park development fund balance is about $336,000, but state rules and local accounting require the village to assign a value to the equipment being removed (Rex estimated $60,000–$75,000) that must be charged to the general fund; the remainder of the new playground cost could come from park development funds. Rex warned that a very large playground (e.g., in the hundreds of thousands) would exceed available park development funds and require additional general fund allocations.
Board members discussed safety and accessibility, including adding rubberized surfacing and a sidewalk to meet the park’s handicapped‑accessible designation, and suggested seeking public input (for example at a food‑truck rally) before finalizing designs. Several members also supported a modest drinking fountain addition at the sports complex (an estimated $5,000 item) and small gathering‑area installations as budget‑friendly improvements.
No final selection was made. Staff will work with the three manufacturers to produce a single design from each vendor and return to the board with price quotes and footprint plans for the 2027 budget submittal.
What’s next: Staff to prepare manufacturer designs and preliminary cost estimates and to propose a funding split between the general fund and park development funds based on the assessed value of removed equipment.
