TO: COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
FROM: JEREMY SWAN, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: MARCH 6, 2024
Reviewed by:
City Manager: n/a
SUBJECT:
Title
LEWIS PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
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SUMMARY
The Community Services Department keeps an inventory of playgrounds and corresponding installation dates for all parks in the City. This inventory is used to prioritize playground equipment replacement as funding is available. The next park scheduled for equipment replacement is Lewis Park. The existing playground equipment was installed in 1995, making it old and outdated. Staff worked with Pacific Park & Playground to design a new play structure for Lewis Park. Pacific Park & Playground submitted two draft designs for review.
On January 31, 2024, the two draft designs were presented to the Parks, Hillsides, and Utilities Committee (PHU). PHU received several public comments in support of the Birchwood theme design. However, the community requested a revised version of the Birchwood design with the inclusion of monkey bars. Pacific Park & Playground drafted a version of the Birchwood design with monkey bars for review and modified the spiral slide element of the original design to meet the 2-12-year age requirement. The revised Birchwood designs are ready for review and recommendation for City Council approval.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Community and Human Services Commission review the two proposed designs for Lewis Park playground equipment and forward a recommendation to the City Council for approval.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the staff recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Request additional information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The budget for the Lewis Park Playground Equipment Project is $150,000. Park Dedication Funds will be used to fund the project. Park Dedications Funds are not part of the General Fund.
The staff cost to prepare this project estimated to be $3,075. These costs are for staff time allocated to the project and are included in the operating budget of the Community Services Department.
ANALYSIS
Current Equipment
Lewis Park currently features one play structure, a swing set, and three spring riders. The equipment was installed in 1995 and is old and outdated. The structure features several slides, climbing features, and an activity panel. Other than these features, there are no engaging features of the equipment. Many safety standards have changed since the playground equipment was installed, and the equipment does not comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. While children with physical disabilities and/or those bound to a wheelchair have access to the equipment, they do not have access to the features of the equipment. Photos of the existing equipment are included as Attachment A.
Proposed Equipment
The City has worked with Pacific Park & Playground to design two unique and exciting play structures that meet current safety and ADA standards. The City proposes two different designs, both with one large play structure and several smaller features. With both designs, the swing sets will be replaced. The play structures are suitable for 2-12 year olds, and both are ADA-compliant. Both options include the removal of sand and installation of play fiber. The color and design elements were designed to provide a cohesive appearance to the park.
At the Parks, Hillsides, and Utilities Committee meeting on January 31, 2024, two themed designs were presented. Option One featured a tropical theme with fewer play features. Option Two featured a whimsical theme with more features. This second option is part of Pacific Park & Playground’s Birchwood line of play equipment. PHU received several public comments in support of Option Two, the Birchwood design, and some speakers asked if monkey bars could be incorporated into the Birchwood design. Pacific Park & Playground revised the proposed design to include monkey bars and modified the spiral slide on the original design to meet age requirements. A description of both options is listed below.
Option One - Original Birchwood Design - Revised
The Birchwood design has a whimsical feel to it, with colors similar to the current structure. The play structure features two slides, several climbing elements, and several panel play elements. In addition, two game tables, an inclusive spinner, and a dinosaur sculpture are included. The spiral slide element had to be modified from the previous design to meet the 2-12 year old age requirement. All other features are the same as originally presented. The approximate cost of the Birchwood Playground set as modified is $145,000, and renderings of this design are included as Attachment B.
Option Two - Birchwood Design with Monkey Bars
This version of the Birchwood design features a play structure with two slides, several climbing elements, and several panel play elements. Also included are two game tables, an inclusive spinner, and monkey bars. The dinosaur feature had to be removed to meet the required fall zone measurements. The approximate cost of the Birchwood Playground set with monkey bars is $150,000, and renderings of this design are included as Attachment C.
Vendor Selection
The City of Claremont is a member of SourceWell. Membership entitles the City to access competitively-bid national contracts. SourceWell contracts leverage national volume pricing and provide members with a streamlined contracting process. SourceWell has an existing contract with Pacific Park & Playground for its Little Tikes Commercial brand of playgrounds and equipment products. The pricing included in the contract is based upon the SourceWell Contract Equipment Pricing. Utilizing the SourceWell contract enables the City to save on the list price for both equipment and delivery. Little Tikes Commercial is a reputable playground brand. Pacific Park & Playground has a proven track record and has partnered with the City of Claremont on the play structures at Blaisdell, Wheeler, Cahuilla, Larkin, June Vail, College, Memorial, and Rancho San Jose Parks.
Project Timeline
The City anticipates completion of the playground by summer 2024. Following award of the contract, Pacific Park & Playground will order the requested equipment, which is then expected to take six weeks to arrive. The demolition and installation of the equipment and base material is expected to take two-four weeks to complete.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
COUNCIL COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REVIEW
On January 31, 2024, the Parks, Hillsides, and Utilities Committee unanimously approved the Birchwood playground equipment design and asked for a revision to the design to include monkey bars. Draft minutes from this meeting are included as Attachment D.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a paper copy, please contact the Community Services Department.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Jeremy Swan Cari Dillman
Community Services Director Community Services Manager
Attachments:
A - Current Playground Equipment
B - Original Birchwood Design - Revised
C - Birchwood Design with Monkey Bars
D - Excerpt from the Draft 01-31-24 PHU Committee Special Meeting Minutes