Adopt Resolution #15-05-134 Approving Playground and Site Improvements for Elmcrest Park

In March of 2015 City Council authorized Staff and the Park and Recreation Commission to proceed with various 2015 Parks Capital Improvements, including the playground project for Elmcrest Park.  A comprehensive Request for Proposal was developed for a not-to-exceed amount of $90,000 to be funded by the Lawful Gambling Improvement Fund; for the play structure elements, as well as seating, and landscape in the vicinity of the new Community Building.  This RFP was sent to approximately 25 landscape architectural firms and playground providers, with the intention that they form a collaborative to provide a 'winning' design for the proposed improvements, worthy of the park and building's prominence in the community.  Five proposals were received by the deadline for submission on May 6th, 2015.

On May 14th, 2015 the Park and Recreation Commission and two city staff member's scored each of the five, separate proposals—to select the overall proposal(s) that represented the best value to the community, in relation to the many goals expressed within the RFP.  The consensus of the nine-person deliberation was that both Midwest Playscapes and St. Croix Recreation Fun Playgrounds Inc., met all the requirements of the RFP, and were the top two proposals.  However, subsequent to this finding, Midwest Playscapes issued in writing, a 'withdrawal notice' on May 21st, 2015.

St. Croix Recreation confirmed that they are able to delivery on all aspects of their proposal, with the playground being available for public use as soon as 5 weeks from award, with the remaining separated play items (laying hens and honeybee flower), to be installed within 6 to 8 weeks.  All five playground proposals are available for viewing as attachments to the Park and Recreation Commission's May 14th case.
 

 

 

Special notification is not required, however, an Open House was held prior to the regular Park and Recreation Commission meeting to encourage residents to provide the Commission their thoughts on the merits of each playground proposal received.  Additionally, about 15 high school students were in attendance at the meeting and they also informally rated the proposals for the Commission.

Elmcrest Park is an important element of the community and due to its size and configuration, a significant and diverse cross-section of Ramsey residents appreciate the resource.  This includes walkers, joggers, bicyclist's, radio controlled model air plane hobbyists' as well as dog walkers on a daily basis.  The park of course is 'home base' for the both the traveling and rec soccer programs managed by the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association.  It is this evening and weekend activity that generates the greatest need for the playground—as many parents who frequent the park have younger children with them at games and practices that are not in the soccer program (yet!).  The need for the playground amenity may be even larger during tournaments.

In addition to the above park and potential playground patrons, there is also an expressed demand from the neighborhoods near by—especially Silver Oaks, with the myriad of young families on the east side of St. Francis Boulevard, accessible via the pedestrian tunnel under the highway.  The new community building is also seeing increased rental for events like graduation parties and other family oriented events. 

An alternative to the playground area east of the new building would be to apply some other landscape treatment, but this is not recommended as the demand for a play area is so great, and this space (for the playground) has been planned for since the beginning.

 

The 2015 Parks Capital Improvement Program has scheduled $100,000 within the Lawful Gambling Improvement Fund for the playground related project; including trail restoration and irrigation for the sodded areas ($10,000 for this, plus the $90,000 playground).

Staff, together with the Park and Recreation Commission recommend approval of Resolution #15-05-134 approving a not-to-exceed amount of $100,000 for playground and site improvements for Elmcrest Park.

Motion to adopt Resolution #15-05-134 approving a not-to-exceed amount of $100,000 for playground and site improvements for Elmcrest Park; $90,000 dollars of which shall be awarded to St. Croix Recreation Fun Playgrounds Inc. for the playground elements pursuant to the response to the 2015 Request for Proposal.