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Council reallocates parks funds, approves picnic tables and splash‑pad shade
Summary
After parks committee recommendations, council approved reallocation of unused kayak‑launch and fountain funds to buy picnic tables and three shade systems for the splash pad; council debated timing, additional installation costs and DPW capacity before votes passed.
Caro City Council approved reallocating previously allocated parks capital funds to buy six recycled‑plastic picnic tables and three large shade canopies for the splash pad after a formal recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Committee.
Parks liaison Phil told council the original $45,000 allocation intended for a kayak launch, a lions‑head fountain, picnic tables and shade could be repurposed: the kayak study cost $4,400 and community volunteers are expected to cover much of the fountain installation, freeing money for additional picnic seating and shade. “If we can move the money from the lion and the kayak launch to the shade and the picnic tables, we can really get a bigger bang for our buck,” Phil said.
Council debated whether the purchases should wait for next year’s budget or proceed now so the splash pad has shade this summer. Staff noted vendor quotes exclude concrete anchors and truck‑unloading charges; DPW indicated it will handle installation using existing wages budgeted to parks. Council approved purchase of six 8‑ft recycled‑plastic picnic tables from Uline for $7,433.47 (including shipping) and three 15'x15' offset single‑post shade systems (including Michigan‑sealed engineering drawings) at a total cost of $29,046.
Supporters said immediate purchases were needed to protect splash‑pad users and to use funds allocated for capital improvements rather than letting them revert to the general fund. Those concerned about timing urged clearer project cost breakdowns and cautioned about end‑of‑fiscal‑year invoicing requirements. Staff committed to negotiating taxes, coordinating unloading/installation and returning any required supplemental information to council.
Next steps: procurement and coordination with DPW for installation; staff will provide invoices and assignment of installation tasks for council review.
