Council approves $22,500 extra for Mighty Bike project to restore fall zone and use poured-in-place safety surfacing

City Administrator Keith Moody briefed the council on a $22,500 request to complete the Mighty Bike installation in Roeland Park. Moody said $5,500 would cover the incremental cost of poured-in-place fall protection (preferred for cohesion with adjacent playground equipment) and about $17,000 would pay to modify the existing concrete oval so the required 6-foot fall zone is maintained around the larger-than-expected play feature.

"The net increase for using the poured-in-place material is $5,500," Moody said, adding that local donations and grants have nearly met fundraising targets and that the project manager takes responsibility for an oversight in the original dimensions. Project manager Dan Miller explained the dimensional differences that led to the conflict and said modifying the existing oval would be faster and more practical than relocating the structure.

Council members raised cost and fundraising concerns but emphasized child safety and the project's near-completion status. Council member Madigan noted the city initially budgeted roughly $97,000, later approved $125,000, and that outside contributions had not kept pace; he said he would nevertheless vote for the safety-focused change.

Council member Liro moved to approve the funding increase; the motion was seconded by Council member Hague and passed by voice vote. Dan Miller said the contractor could start work Wednesday and complete the alterations by Friday if approved.

The city will proceed with modifications and final painting/installation, with staff to report on completion stages afterward.