Urbana council approves $227,419 purchase order for inclusive "EVERYbody Plays!" playground after 6–1 vote

Urbana City Council authorized a $227,419 purchase order for Phase II of the "EVERYbody Plays!" inclusive playground during its Aug. 6 regular meeting, approving the request on a 6–1 roll-call vote.

The Board of Control recommended the purchase order by a 3–0 vote before the measure reached council. Councilor Mr. Scott moved the item to the floor and Ms. Jumper seconded. Director of Finance Chris Boettcher said the project is funded by a $177,419 donation from Lawnview Industries, Inc., a $25,000 match from the Melvin Miller Park Board, and a $25,000 allocation from the City’s General Fund; the purchase order is not included in the city’s 2024 budget.

Mrs. Collier cast the lone dissenting vote and asked whether the $177,419 donation was raised through fundraisers. Boettcher said she believed the donation came from fundraising and noted she was aware the group sold flowers, but did not confirm a specific fundraising ledger or source during the meeting. Boettcher also said the $25,000 from the general fund and the donation were placed in the Park & Recreation Trust Fund prior to authorizing the purchase order.

City documents provided at the meeting indicate the contract will be charged to General Fund – Recreation ($25,000) and the Park & Recreation Trust Fund ($202,419). Boettcher told council that the project had prior Council support in resolution form and that any subsequent Phase III would depend on future fundraising efforts.

The measure’s approval authorizes staff to issue the purchase order and proceed with Phase II procurement; council did not set a construction start date during the meeting.