Council presses for details on inclusive playground plan, funding and procurement

Steubenville City Manager Michael Johnson gave council an update on efforts to secure an inclusive (accessible) playground, describing ongoing fundraising and meetings with partners including OMEGA about a competitive grant opportunity. "I brought it up to the board last night to find out what they knew or what they didn't know," Johnson said, adding that he and partners are looking at potential Amler grant funding and that a memorandum of understanding with Unlimited Play (a consultant) exists.

Council members pressed for specifics on footprint, total cost and procurement. Council member Mayo said cost estimates had fluctuated in discussion—"I thought it was a little bit over a million. Then I heard 1.8 million." He and others said the Parks & Rec Board had not provided clear answers on site selection and that some board members told council they had only seen a brochure or presentation, not a formal vote. Law Director Costa Mastros confirmed the city has a consultant contract that contains a clause regarding a preferred vendor and said sole‑source procurement might be an option if the equipment is sufficiently unique, but that legal and bidding implications depend on funding sources.

Council member McManamon said he had presented the project multiple times to the park board and council and that the engineer had reviewed footprint and plans. Mayor Ralph Petrella and other council members asked for a dedicated presentation—preferably a Zoom or Parks & Rec meeting briefing—with the consultant and vendor to clarify design, footprint, maintenance responsibilities, ownership and whether federal or state funds would trigger bidding rules.

Council directed staff to provide meeting materials and to coordinate a follow‑up presentation so members can evaluate site placement, budget estimates and procurement steps before any funding or construction decisions.