After public pleas, Lock Haven council approves $2,800 evaluation of Tiger Den playground

Lock Haven City Council on July 6 approved a $2,800 structural/evaluation assessment for the Tiger Den playground after extended public comment from neighbors and community volunteers urging salvage and phased repair rather than an immediate full-scale replacement.

Staff included a Leather & Associates quote for a full rebuild using contemporary surfacing and materials with a total projected cost of $866,540.18; staff said a community-build approach could reduce cost roughly in half. Residents and community organizers told council they have not yet solicited donations because they lack an assessed list of reusable components and costs. Multiple speakers said the playground was community-built years ago and recommended an independent evaluation to identify salvageable metal and other components, enabling tiered fundraising goals.

Community speakers asked the council to authorize a professional evaluation; speakers argued $2,800 is a modest expenditure compared with the potential to salvage expensive components and to provide a clearer plan for phased repair or community fundraising. One resident offered to bring written permission letters and documentation of past donations; another speaker highlighted safety concerns and urged re-envisioning the space if necessary.

Council voted to fund the evaluation; members who opposed a full rebuild emphasized the need to reimagine the playground's scale and to ensure any reconstruction aligns with current safety standards. Staff said the evaluation results will inform whether to pursue partial reuse, phased repairs, or a full replacement and that donation acceptance would follow when a concrete plan exists.

Next steps: Staff will contract for the assessment, report back with a salvage/repair recommendation and cost estimates, and the council will consider those findings before any decision to award construction contracts or accept community donations.