7.1.B. PRSR 11-09-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR ACTION TO ITEM NUMBER Parks and Recreation Commission 7.1.B AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY Action Item November 9, 2011 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By Removal of Ridgewood Paxk Playground Cal Poxtnex, Ci Administrator REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED Staff recommends the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend approval of removing the playground at Ridgewood Paxk and not replacing it. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION The playground at Ridgewood Paxk was originally installed in 1987 and then had several portions added on in the early 1990's. It is the oldest playground in the Elk River Paxk system. Playground inspections indicate that the playground structure has a list of safety issues and concerns that warrants the need to remove it. ANALYSIS The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the Ridgewood Playground last month at the parks capital improvement Commission work session. Fifty-thousand ($50,000) was originally recommended to replace the current playground with a new play system. Park inspections indicate that the playground needs to be removed as soon as possible fox the following reasons: • The wood decking boards are warped, splitting and rotting. They feel flimsy and have difficulty supporting the weight of a large person. • The side panels are possible head entanglement hazards. • Parts are obsolete and can no longer be replaced. • The spiral slide is cracked and broken where it is attached to the structure. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed with staff removing the playground and not replacing it. It was discussed and recommended not replacing the playground fox the following reasons: • The parks capital budget is tight and very limited. It is recommended that the $50,000 be utilized fox park projects that will better meet the needs of a larger resident base. This includes trail improvements and allocating a portion of the $50,000 toward the needed Orono Paxk playground replacement. • The recommended replacement size similar in scale to the current playground no longer has the playabiliry to attract children. Children are most likely attracted to larger playgrounds with more playabiliry features. • The demographics of the area neighborhood have changed with less younger children interested in a small playground. volrfeeo ®r C:\DocumenGS and Settings\sbenoit\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\ContentOu[look\1Y7IHPOA\Ridgewood ~~~~~ Playgtound.docx