Woodinville council approves Rotary Park playground replacement, awards $455,000 contract

Woodinville — The City Council unanimously approved a plan to replace the aging playground at Rotary Park and authorized a $455,000 contract plus a 15% contingency, officials said during the June meeting.

Parks staff told council the capital improvement plan allocated roughly $600,000 for the project, splitting about $100,000 for restroom renovations and $500,000 for playground equipment. Staff later said restroom costs are tracking closer to $76,000, leaving roughly $524,000 available for playground procurement and contingency. "The important part about this project though is that the footprint will remain unchanged," a parks presenter said, noting new equipment and restroom upgrades will fit within the existing park layout.

Nut graf: Council advanced the project after staff described public engagement and procurement details. Staff reported 109 online survey responses and about 100 in‑person contacts; the public and the Public Spaces Commission both favored the option the council selected.

During the presentation staff outlined schedule and procurement concerns: typical equipment lead times are about 8–10 weeks with another approximate 8 weeks for on‑site construction, meaning roughly a four‑month period from contract to reopening. Staff committed to sequencing work to keep restroom access and the skate park available as much as possible during construction.

Deputy mayor Randolph moved to "select option 1 for the Rotary Community Playground Park improvement project and award a contract in the amount of $455,000 substantially in the form presented and authorize the 15% contingency and authorize the city manager to take all actions necessary to implement this action." The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Council members praised the community engagement and the project’s multigenerational importance. Council member Millman asked about summer usability; staff said the existing equipment will remain in use until installation begins, and closures will be minimized and posted. The project is expected to begin later this summer with completion in the fall, staff said.

Next steps: staff will finalize the purchase order and execute the contract. The city manager is authorized to complete implementation actions.

Attribution: Quotes and attributions are from presenters and council members recorded in the June Woodinville City Council meeting transcript.