Council approves $310,200 for community-designed playground after procurement debate

The Kechi City Council voted to allocate $310,200 from existing park funds to support a community-designed playground by Play By Design, following a lengthy presentation from the park board and more than an hour of public comment.

Park board members and Play By Design representatives told the council the current playground has reached the end of its useful life and is not ADA accessible. City staff said the total project estimate is about $565,000 including equipment and a pour‑in‑place rubberized surface; a $40,000 grant awarded that day will lower the amount the park board must raise. Park board representatives said they intend to raise roughly half the remaining cost through donations, grants and corporate sponsorships. "We have total resources of $464,499.99," a staff presenter said to explain the city’s available park funds.

The park board outlined three build options: a full volunteer build ($227,390 equipment cost), a hybrid build (additional $88,500 for staff assistance; total $315,890) and a vendor-built option ($487,390). Play By Design described a six‑day volunteer build (three shifts per day) and said their model includes volunteer coordination, ASTM‑certified inspection oversight and post‑installation warranty support.

Residents who testified praised the design’s ADA features and community engagement but several speakers raised procurement and transparency concerns. "We did not have three competitive bids that are comparative to what is being proposed," park board member Cheryl Hobson told the council, saying she worried the project was being presented as a sole‑source selection. Other commenters urged a phased approach or clearer budget contingencies if fundraising and volunteer commitments fall short.

During council discussion, staff and several council members said the park board performed due diligence and that the vendor’s community‑build model and warranty distinguished it from catalog suppliers. Council Member Headstrom moved to accept the park board recommendation and authorize the $310,200 allocation; the motion passed 4–1. The record notes council debate about following the city’s three‑bid purchasing policy and a desire to preserve transparency going forward.

The council directed the city administrator to finalize contract documents and emphasized the need for an active fundraising campaign and public messaging to demonstrate community support. Park board fundraisers said they would aim for committed pledges before the build; a fundraising consultant told the council that "60% of that is coming from individuals," explaining the mix of donors they expect.

Next steps: staff will prepare contract paperwork with Play By Design, continue pursuing grants and donations, and report back to council on fundraising progress and any adjustments to the build approach.