Consideration and Approval of Cooperative Contract:  Approve the purchase to replace existing playground equipment with new adaptive playground equipment and surfacing at Thorpe Park in the amount of $166,738.63 utilizing The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN), Cooperative Contract #R5202, with Landscape Structures, Inc. (The local service organization office is Exerplay, Inc. of Cedar Crest, New Mexico.)

Approval of this contract will allow Exerplay, Inc. of Cedar Crest, New Mexico (approved distributor for Landscape Structure, Inc.) to replace the playground equipment and surfacing at Thorpe Park through a cooperative purchase agreement with TCPN. The playground equipment is 21 years old, and because of its age replacement parts are not available. This purchase will replace the current equipment and surfacing with updated equipment and surfacing that is more accessible to children of all abilities to play, learn, and grow together. This will be the first playground in the City of Flagstaff with a unitary surface (rubberized) that allows for an easy transition from the sidewalk to play areas by eliminating any drop-offs from surface to surface, supporting those who use wheeled mobility devices.

The Flagstaff Community Forum was used to obtain input from the community on the design of the project. Three playground design concepts were provided online for consideration, and out of 154 respondents, 88 (57%) selected "Concept C". 

The project is budgeted in the FY2017 BBB Recreation fund in account 055-06-158-3312-5-4433 in the amount of $168,000.

This decision does not impact any policy.

COUNCIL GOALS:
COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Enhance public transparency and accessibility
TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE: Deliver quality community assets and continue to advocate and implement a highly performing multi-modal transportation system.

REGIONAL PLAN:
Recreation:
Goal Rec . 1. Maintain  and grow the region's healthy system of convenient and accessible parks, recreation facilities, and trails

No. This is the first time it has come before Council for a decision.

1. Award cooperative contract as recommended.
2. Not award the cooperative contract and direct staff to conduct our own formal competitive solicitation.
3. Not award the cooperative contract and forego the purchase of this adaptive playground equipment altogether.

In 1996, the Parks Section started a replacement program of all playground equipment that was outdated and did not meet current playground safety standards. Thorpe Park was the first park to have the equipment replaced. Old metal and wooden structures were replaced with new updated equipment that met all safety requirements. This equipment is now 21 years old and replacement parts are no longer available. This equipment will be salvaged with the intent to use the parts for other equipment as needed.

In 1996, sand was widely used in playgrounds for the surfacing, but as requirements changed to meet the fall protection requirements and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), engineered wood fibers replaced sand. During the Bushmaster Park Improvements planning process, members of the community voiced their concerns of difficulties accessing the playground in wheeled mobility devices. This led to the decision to improve the access with a unitary surface (rubberized) for improved accessibility, but because of limited funds only a portion of the playground could be completed with this material.  After completion of the Thorpe Park improvements, this will be the first playground in the City of Flagstaff that offers universal access to all children with different abilities to play, learn, and grow together.

Three playground providers were asked to provide a concept plan that provided inclusive play. Three concept plans were then posted on the Flagstaff Community Forum for public input. The concept plans and survey was opened for comments for four weeks. After review of the comments, Concept "C" was selected as the preferred design. The key results are attached below.

Public comment was received through the City's Community Forum at the following link. Once you open the link, click on the Closed Topics and open up Thorpe Park Adaptive Playground:  http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/fcf

When considering the replacement of this playground equipment and surfacing, improving accessibility weighed heavily in the decision to use a unitary surface (rubberized). The different inclusive play elements offers many opportunities for play by any child regardless of their medical diagnosis. 

This playground is located within a regional park and attracts users from throughout the city, which allows a wide range of recreational opportunities. It is important for all children to have a variety of sensory experiences for healthy development. These include experiences that involve movement, climbing, and a mix of tactile, visual, and  auditory experiences.

Inform: The community was informed of the proposed playground improvements through the city's website and the Flagstaff Community Forum.