Northfield council weighs buying new playground versus transporting used Parma equipment

At the Feb. 26 meeting, Service Director Jason Walters presented the council with two procurement options for playground equipment at Smith Park: a used set available from Parma priced at $5,000 plus substantial teardown and transport costs, or a new replacement quoted by vendors.

Walters told the council the Parma equipment was offered at $5,000 but that his low-end estimate for purchasing, tearing down, transporting and reassembling the equipment would be about $40,000. He cautioned that the used equipment has wear and tear and is not an "apples to apples" comparison with new equipment. Walters said he personally preferred buying new equipment to ensure consistency with the park's existing structures and to avoid the many variables involved in moving a used set.

Councilmember Gary Vojtush said he contacted Miracle Recreation Company and installers to develop cost estimates and was collecting quotes. Vojtush also said he identified suppliers of special-needs playground equipment and had asked for information. Councilmember Renell Noack, who inspected the Parma equipment over the weekend, called it an "excellent value" but said she wanted to compare options that accommodate special needs once budget numbers are finalized. Councilmember Nick Magistrelli endorsed taking time to review options rather than rushing a decision.

The council did not make a final procurement decision; members agreed the choice will depend on the finalized 2020 budget and directed staff to provide figures for comparison.

Next steps: Vojtush will share installer and special-needs equipment quotes when available; Council will review procurement options during upcoming budget meetings.