TO: COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
FROM: JEREMY SWAN, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2024
Reviewed by:
City Manager: n/a
SUBJECT:
Title
LEWIS PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
Body
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 new playground equipment is Lewis Park. The existing playground equipment was installed in 1995, making it old and outdated. Staff worked with KOMPAN to design a new play structure for Lewis Park. The attached design submitted by KOMPAN is ready for review and approval.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Community and Human Services Commission review and approve the playground design for Lewis Park as submitted by KOMPAN and forward it to the City Council for final approval.
Body
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 $500,000. Park Dedication Funds will be used to fund the project. Park Dedication Funds are not part of the General Fund.
The staff cost to prepare this project is estimated to be $2,700. 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 two play areas. One play area includes a play structure, swing set, and three spring riders, while the other play area only has a swing set. The equipment in both areas was installed in 1995 and is old and outdated. The play structure features several slides, climbing features, and an activity panel. Other than these features, there are no engaging features on the equipment. More importantly, 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.
Public Engagement Process
As part of the 2024-26 City Council priorities and objectives, the City Council directed staff to engage the community in the development of a new playground design for Lewis Park. Over the summer, City staff hosted two community workshops specific to Lewis Park and released a public survey to gather feedback on all City parks. On June 26, 2024, City staff hosted the first community meeting to gather opinions and ideas from the community on what they want to see at Lewis Park. After that workshop, staff worked with two different playground designers. Each playground designer was asked to prepare two different designs. At the second community workshop on July 31, 2024, staff presented the four different designs to the community, with an opportunity for the community to vote informally on their favorite design. The design presented tonight received overwhelming support from the community and is included as Attachment B.
Proposed Equipment
The City selected KOMPAN to design a unique and exciting play structure that meets current safety and ADA standards, and is inclusive for all children. KOMPAN proposed two different play areas, one for 2-5-year-olds, and the other for 5-12-year-olds. Both areas will be ADA-compliant and inclusive for all users. The combined play areas can accommodate up to one hundred children on all the structures.
The 2-5 area will be located closer to the restrooms, in the south playground area, and will have a set of bucket swings, Junior Spica, play panels, and double tower with double slides. The Junior Spica is a small spinner, appropriate for 2-5-year-olds, while the interactive play panel engages a child’s sense of sound and coordination through music elements. The double tower with double slides is a truly inclusive play area that grows with a child.
The 5-12 area will be located where the current larger structure is. The playground will feature a birds nest swing, Jungle Dome, and brand-new Cliff Rider. The Jungle Dome is a one-of-a-kind structure that challenges kids of all ages to climb higher and explore differently each time they play on it. The Cliff Rider is a patented, one-of-a-kind structure that takes the thrill of adventure to new heights. The Cliff Rider includes a swaying hammock, climbing net, somersault bar, climbing rope, and firefighter’s pole.
The play structures are made out of Robinia wood. Robinia wood comes from countries in Europe and is either plantation-grown or from the natural forest using responsible, sustainable forest management. Both play areas include the removal of sand and installation of a pour-in-place (PIP) surfacing. Installation of PIP surfacing allows for children of all needs and abilities to use more of the playground equipment and makes the playground more inclusive.
Vendor Selection
The City of Claremont is a member of OMNIA Partners. OMNIA Partners allows access to group purchasing contracts with leading national suppliers delivering volume discounts, and streamlines the procurement process for thousands of products and services. KOMPAN products and solutions can be purchased at the guaranteed lowest competitively-bid prices through a cooperative contract through OMNIA Partners. Utilizing the Omnia Partners pricing, the City receives a discount on the material and installation costs. KOMPAN has a proven track record in the industry and is the leading manufacturer when it comes to sustainability. KOMPAN has worked with the City of Manhattan Beach on Polliwog Park, a multi-year project to replace the old sunken galleon playground.
Project Timeline
The City anticipates completion of the playground by spring 2025. Following award of the contract, KOMPAN will order the requested equipment, which is then expected to take ten to twelve weeks to arrive. The demolition and installation of the equipment and base material is expected to take four to six weeks to complete.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, Sustainable City Plan, and the 2024-26 Budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by:
Jeremy Swan
Community Services Director
Attachments:
A - Current Playground Equipment
B - Proposed Playground Equipment