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Fort Branch council allows HOA to pursue playground project but flags insurance and maintenance costs
Summary
The council voted to let a homeowners association pursue plans for a new playground at Marlet/Vine Street Park, with council members stressing the need to identify ongoing funding for insurance and upkeep before any town commitment.
Whitney Hunt, president of the McQuary Manor homeowners association, told the Fort Branch Town Council she has vendor quotes and renderings and asked the town for approval to pursue a replacement playground and fundraising. "We're just waiting for approval or not from you guys to move forward with the project," Hunt said.
Council members expressed support for the concept but pressed for details on ongoing costs. Town staff cited an insurance estimate of about $1,660 a year and an example upkeep cost of roughly $8,000 every three years for comparable installations. Council members said those ongoing expenses must be addressed before the town commits public funds or takes on maintenance responsibilities.
Council and proponents discussed design choices, removal of older wooden equipment, and accessibility improvements such as sidewalks and an ADA route to restrooms. Hunt said volunteers and a local nonprofit (Scouts) could help with grant writing and volunteer labor; vendors have provided renderings that Hunt will share with the council.
After discussion a member moved and the council approved a motion allowing proponents to continue pursuing the project with the understanding that the town would need a funding plan to cover insurance and maintenance. The motion passed with members voting in favor. Council asked Hunt and volunteers to return with detailed budgets, funding commitments and scaled designs as the project advances.
Next steps: proponents will supply vendor renderings and a funding plan; the council asked staff to include any anticipated ongoing town costs in future presentations so the council can consider whether to accept responsibility for insurance or maintenance.
