Playground Replacement Policy

The purpose of this case, is the continued progression on the Playground Replacement Policy for City Council’s future consideration. This policy will guide the programmatic replacement of the city’s approximate 17 existing playgrounds, which can then be forecast within the Capital Improvement Program.  The goal is for the Playground Replacement Policy to inform the 2022-2032 CIP with specific years, estimated costs, and a replacement plan for Ramsey’s existing playgrounds and the associated park’s rejuvenation.

 

None required at this time.

 The Commission has discussed the Playground Replacement Policy in both June and July, 2021—with the attached draft policy an extension of the Commission's work.  This latest iteration may be considered a Final Draft, with paragraphs added following the Commission's recommendations in July.  These described alternatives to playground replacement (naturalized landscapes) and another paragraph on utilizing school district demographic data to inform playground planning.  Additionally, staff is recommending that the playground replacement plan be entitled 'Interim' as a working policy plan, in order to leave the door open to modify some of the details and processes of the plan, as the first playground replacement is actually undertaken using this planning tool.  It is staff's desire to move the Interim Playground Replacement Plan forward for City Council's consideration yet this Fall.

None required for this policy consideration.

Staff recommends reviewing the draft document to ensure the essence of the Commissions' intent is adequately represented—and if so, forwarding it on for City Council's consideration.

Motion to approve the Interim Playground Replacement Policy.

or

Consensus to direct staff to perform additional work on the draft Playground Policy Plan.