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Parks board unanimously recommends Option E for Lower Sellmeier Park playground, forwards recommendation to City Council
Summary
After a 235-person public survey and vendor comparisons, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted 5–0 to recommend Option E (with Option C as an alternate) for the Lower Sellmeier Park playground; council consideration is scheduled for June 9.
After reviewing public-survey results and vendor cost and warranty summaries, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted unanimously to forward a recommendation for Option E as the primary playground choice for Lower Sellmeier Park, with Option C offered as an alternate for the City Council’s consideration.
Board Chair read the motion at the end of the discussion and the board approved it by voice vote, 5–0. Staff provided the survey context and vendor pricing during the discussion: Option E was quoted at $151,009.25—approximately $11,000 over the project’s $140,000 budget—while Option C’s base quote was $129,560.90 and Option D was at or very near the $140,000 allocation.
Phil, the parks staff presenter, urged consideration of recent construction-cost escalation and warranty differences, noting that some turf warranties extended to 15 years. “Cost escalation has gone up, you know, 45 to 65% since the bond was put together,” Phil said, explaining why the board might recommend an option slightly above the original budget if council agrees there is capacity in the bond.
Members who argued for Option E cited the neighborhood-focused survey results and the item’s longer turf warranty alongside additional seating features (two benches and an adult swing). Other members supported keeping Option C as a fiscally conservative alternate that remains under the $140,000 allocation but could include an added bench or picnic table if the project comes in under budget.
Staff advised the board that council would make final determinations on using any variance in bond funds; staff said there appears to be capacity to absorb roughly $10,000–$15,000 in some cases and that the City Council will review the recommendation at its June 9 meeting.
The board’s motion was recorded as: “After discussion and consideration of the available playground options, the Parks and Recreation Board recommends Option E for consideration and approval by the City Council with Option C as an alternate.” The motion passed unanimously, 5–0.
