Council tables $2,800 playground assessment as residents offer to lead rebuild

Lock Haven City Council on June 1 voted to table a proposed $2,800 comprehensive assessment of the Tiger playground, after residents said they would help fund and organize repairs.

Staff presented a recommendation from Leathers and Associates for a site‑specific, comprehensive inspection that would include a safety review and a parts-and-costs breakdown. The assessment was described in the packet as a way to give a committee concrete repair and replacement numbers.

Several residents urged community‑led action. Christopher Long, who identified himself as administrator of a local Facebook group organizing around the park, said the group has roughly 175–200 members and offered volunteers and fundraising help: “we are willing to work with you guys on doing that.” Another resident, Greg Jen Stall, said donor recognition posts and community events could help raise money.

Councilors and staff debated whether to commission the paid assessment now or proceed with committee visioning and preliminary cost inquiries. Staff noted insurance and safety rules limit reuse of some older wood components and suggested modern, longer‑lasting materials or a hybrid design could improve longevity.

Rather than approve the $2,800 assessment immediately, the council voted to table the item to allow staff and the proposed community committee to pursue outreach, gather baseline cost figures and seek any existing plans or cost estimates from Leathers and Associates. The motion to table carried unanimously.

Next steps: staff said it will begin community engagement and contact Leathers and Associates about available drawings and baseline cost estimates to inform fundraising goals and a committee design process.