2025 Playground Replacement Planning—Central and Riverdale Parks

Less than 5 years ago, City Council approved the Playground Replacement Policy which generally informs the city on which playgrounds are to be replaced and when. Since then, the city has refurbished the playgrounds at Peltzer, Rabbit, and River's Bend Parks pursuant to the policy and plan—with Alpine Park's playground receiving a complete replacement and renovation in 2024.

The Playground Replacement Plan forecasts the next parks scheduled for consideration as Riverdale, Solstice and Central Parks over the years 2024-2026.  Staff's analysis from recent field inspections is that Solstice Park can be deferred until Riverdale and Central Park are addressed—and that Central Park's playground may be a candidate for refurbishment and the addition of significant play equipment components, versus merely removal and replacement of the playground in its present footprint.

The purpose of this case is to begin the planning process for the refurbishment of the playgrounds at Riverdale and Central Park.

As signaled above, upon inspection of Central Park's playground, it has been determined that the playground has significant play value (number and diversity of play components) and is in good structural condition.  Staff's overall assessment was that the playground may be an appropriate candidate for refurbishment, as was done in 2024 for River's Bend Park, rather than replacement. However, if this is determined to be feasible, staff would recommend additional play components (like swings) be added to the playground to address the park's prominence as a community park, which can host 1,000 visitors a day during tournaments, etc.  

For the meeting, staff will highlight the two proposed projects and will introduce an initial menu of options that can be further refined in the Winter of 2025.

Pursuant to the Playground Replacement Policy, funding for the playground areas' refurbishments and replacements in any year would be from the Lawful Gambling Fund.

Staff recommends commissioners view the two playground areas this case discusses prior to the meeting if possible.  

Consensus direction to proceed on developing an integrated and synergistic plan for upgrading both the playgrounds at Riverdale and Central Parks for Playground Replacement Policy funding years 2025-26, for implementation as soon as 2025.