Council accepts low bid for new park playground, $509,889 contract contingent on CDBG approval

The Washington City Council voted March 2 to accept the apparent low bid from Recreation Construction Group for new playground equipment and synthetic turf surfacing at the city park, at a cost not to exceed $509,888.98 contingent on Community Development Block Grant approval. The motion was made by Council Member Amy Anderson and seconded by Carolyn Pinnick and carried with Anderson, Kern, Loberg and Pinnick voting aye.

Dean Randolph of CES Group recommended moving forward with Recreation Construction Group’s bid and said an obstacle course included in the original scope would be over budget. Taylor Miller, a member of the playground committee, asked about a surfacing grant the committee had applied for; Randolph said that, if the grant is received, the city could execute a change order to adjust surfacing selections.

The council’s approval covers purchase of equipment, removal of the existing Munchkinland playground and installation of synthetic turf surfacing. The award is contingent on CDBG approval of the surfacing grant; if the city does not receive the grant the council will consider a change order and alternative scope. Work timelines and a final contract must be completed before construction begins.