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PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
4.2
TO: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission May 11, 2022
SUBJECT: Review Concepts for the Oak Hill Park Playground Project and Provide
Staff with a Recommendation for Action
BACKGROUND
On January 12, 2022, the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission began the discussion of
renovating the play area at Oak Hill Park. Based on feedback from that meeting, potential
scope options were identified and revised renderings were created, which the
Commission reviewed at their March 16 meeting. Following review and discussion, the
Commission identified the “Option B” rendering as the desired play equipment option
and determined that – budget allowing – the project scope should include: refinishing the
existing wooden stairs and deck, removing the water play trough to optimize the
playground layout, relocating the sand closer to the small children’s play area, replacing
the wear course under the existing windmill, and installing more benches. In addition,
the Commission requested more information about potential shade options as well as a
comparison between poured in place and engineered wood fiber safety surfaces.
DISCUSSION
Following the direction from the Commission, staff now returns with additional
information regarding shade, surface options and revised renderings that include the
Boogie Board and Sensory Wall features that the Commission requested.
Shade
Due to the configuration of the playground, height of the large children’s play structure
and presence of existing mature trees along the perimeter of the play area, sail-styled
shade structures generally located above the small children’s play equipment appear to
be the most optimal option. The revised plan shows the potential location of two sail
shade structures and the renderings give an idea of how they would look. The estimated
cost for the shade structures is $140,000.
Surface Options
In order to evaluate the merits of poured in place (PIP) and engineered wood fiber (EWF)
safety surfaces, the Commission requested a side-by-side comparison with additional
information for both. While finding objective information regarding these two options
can be challenging, staff compiled the information requested by the Commission in
Attachment A. In summary, both options meet safety and ADA requirements, with EWF
performing slightly better for fall height protection and PIP performing slightly better
with accessibility. The installation and ongoing maintenance costs of PIP significantly
exceed those of EWF, though PIP requires minimal day to day maintenance while EWF
requires periodic raking and replenishment. Lifespans can vary for both options, with
PIP generally lasting for at least 10 years but with declining performance as it ages
(surface hardens, more repairs needed, etc.) and EWF lasting as long as 20 years but
requiring replenishment once or twice a year. Lastly, the Commission requested
additional information related to how EWF is made – it is real wood from inside of the
tree rather than the bark, which reduces splinters and sharp edges. The wood is processed
and engineered to knit together to form a soft but stable surface. The estimated
installation costs are $425,000 for PIP or $45,000 for EWF, with ongoing average annual
costs of $5,000 for PIP or $500 for EWF.
Revised Renderings
As mentioned above, the Commission was supportive of the equipment and design
shown in Option B during the March meeting. Based on feedback from that meeting, the
following updates have been made:
• The Boogie Board and Sensory Wall pieces of equipment were added (replacing
the Wee Planet and Geoplex features)
• Two sail shade structures were added near the small children’s play equipment
• A molded bucket seat was added to increase accessibility
• Options for potentially adding a second hill slide or installing a larger one were
evaluated but the size of the area and required fall zones were limiting factors
Summary
The information above is intended to assist the Commission in determining which safety
surface type to install at the playground as well as whether to include shade structures
in the project. Updated renderings (Attachment C) and images of the individual pieces
of equipment (Attachment D) have also been provided to help visualize the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project cost will be determined based on final project scope, with options including:
1. Option B with EWF - $820,000
2. Option B with PIP - $1,200,000
3. Option B with EWF and Shade Structures - $960,000
4. Option B with PIP and Shade Structures - $1,340,000
Funding has been appropriated in the Capital Improvement Program for the project,
though a request for additional appropriations may be necessary depending on the
project scope.
RECOMMENDATION
Review Concepts for the Oak Hill Park Playground Project and Provide Staff with a
Recommendation for Action.
Prepared by:
Dave Casteel
Maintenance Services Director
Attachments: A – Safety Surface Comparison
B – Playground Plan View
C – Renderings
D – Equipment Images