Approve Play Structure for North Commons

Formalized discussion on the play structure for North Commons began in June 14, 2012 at a joint meeting hosted by Park and Recreation Commission with City Council on the Parks Capital Improvement Plan, and also (at the same meeting) recommending Park Dedication for the COR Three plat which includes the park space known as North Commons.  

Subsequent to that discussion, a City Council work session was held on July 31st, 2012 on the topic of advancing the 2012 capital improvements (now within the 2013 CIP), most notably the proposed building and playground for Elmcrest Park - and also a playground for North Commons.  The consensus direction from City Council was "acknowledgment that the Park and Recreation Commission will be investigating play equipment purchases for North Commons and Elmcrest Park - for subsequent City Council approval".

The COR Three Plat has since been approved (including the 17 single family home-sites west and southwest of the park), and when all of those lots are eventually sold, $42,075 will be generated for park development purposes, (and $10,200 in Trail Fees).  Somewhat conincidently, this dollar amount is generally what had been projected as needed for the proposed play structure for the park.  Synergistically, having the play equipment in the park will aid in lot sales, hastening the return on the cost of lot creation, improve property values near North Commons, and also generating tax revenue (from the new homes) for maintaining the park space (as well as other city infrastructure).

Notification is not required for park improvements, however a sign was placed in the park illustrating the proposed park and plat (#exhibit 1).  A letter requesting input on the proposed playground was also issued in October 2012 (attachment #2).  Additionally, several public meetings have occurred regarding the park and COR Three plat.

Following the 2012 Council consensus to begin planning for the play equipment for North Commons, the Park and Recreation Commission discussed play equipment components and features, and an invitation for input from area residents was issued by mail.  The attached letter (exhibit #2) generated enthusiastic feedback from several families near the park and many suggestions for what the playground should include.

Thereafter, the State Contract for play apparatuses was consulted and St. Croix Recreation (a reputable contractor on previous city park projects), was asked to submit a proposal that came as close as possible to meeting the Commission's direction from August, and specifically, including the components requested by the resident's submissions - while meeting the project budget.  All of the resident requests are included in the attached rendering (item #3 below).  Additionally, the structure from the State Contract saves $2,396 from the catalog pricing and meets the estimated play structure cost of approximately $40,000 including installation (separately by an installer at $5,950.00), shipping, tax, and resilient surfacing totaling $39,968.

What is not included in the above dollar amount is the border for the playground and a hard surface path to the area so as to be handicap accessible.  In the fall of 2012, a local business donated a number of boulders for the playground border (attachment #4) - so a part of this cost has already been accommodated.  The 8' foot bituminous trail connection to the play-equipment from the street - estimated to be between $4,000 and $5,000, will also be required, including a curb cut and concrete ADA ramp.

At their regular January 2013 meeting, the Park and Recreation Commission recommended approval for the North Commons play structure as detailed below in Staff's recommendation.

The Parks Capital Improvement plan for 2013 includes the North Commons play structure project at an estimated cost of $48,000 funded from the Lawful Gambling Fund #270. 

The present balance of fund #270 is well in excess of $100,000 with those funds specifically restricted to purposes that benefit youth in Ramsey.

Staff recommends approval of the play structure with the following budget break-out:

• Play equipment from St. Croix Recreation @ $34,018.31
• Installation @ $5,950
• Boulders (to supplement the donation) estimated @ $1,000
• Bituminous trail connection estimated @ <$5,000
• Contingency (less than 5% of project value) @ $2,031.69

Total North Commons playground project budget: Not-to-exceed $48,000

Note:  The timing for the installation would be targeted for early June, or as soon after the storm sewer improvements scheduled within the park and necessary for the COR Three Plat are completed.

Motion to approve a not-to-exceed amount of $48,000 for the North Commons playground project for 2013 implementation from the Lawful Gambling Fund.