Committee favors Big T plan to replace aging Powerline Park playground

The RAP Tax Committee on Aug. 19 recommended replacing the 30-year-old Powerline Park playground and signaled a preference for a vendor plan that fits the council-directed budget range. The Parks and Recreation representative said the playground has exceeded its expected 15–20 year lifespan and noted the City Council directed replacement using between $200,000 and $250,000 in RAP Tax funds; the committee noted the RAP Tax fund balance was about $700,000 at the last report.

Committee members reviewed three vendor proposals and favored Big T’s plan. The minutes list the bids as Great Western — $265,756.84; Garrett — $221,460.00; and Big T — $229,584.93. According to the minutes, the committee “prefer plan #3 from Big T” because of the theme and the company’s warranty and responsiveness. Members also discussed swapping some play elements (for example, exchanging a rocker for an ADA-compliant swing) and adding benches and shade.

Parks and Recreation recommended making the new playground ADA compliant and connecting it with a sidewalk to recently installed restroom access; the minutes state, “We recommend that we make the park ADA compliant.” The committee also recommended removing on-site skate ramps and creating a small pocket skate park east of the tennis courts, estimated at $50,000–$80,000. The bids included approximately $15,000 for tear-out and excavation, though the parks maintenance team indicated it could perform demolition to reduce overall cost.

The committee asked staff to present the preferred plan to the City Council, aiming for a council meeting in early September. No formal funding approval by the City Council is recorded in these minutes; the recommendation is a committee-level preference to be forwarded to the council.