2023 02 21 City Council

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TO: Mike Keith, Finance Director/Interim City Manager

FROM: Kevin L. Helms, Project Manager

Cc: Ben Burchfield, Public Works Director
DATE: February 13, 2023

SUBJECT: Cook Park Renovations

Background
As you are aware, construction has begun on the upgrades at Cook Park. The primary components of the

project include the addition of a kitchen, playground safety surfacing, and repairs to the concrete surface
around the monument.

Early in the project | was asked by the architect to look at some issues with the existing playground set
located closest to the monument. He had received a report stating some of the pieces on the structure
were damaged and needed to be repaired or replaced. After looking at the condition of the playset we
determined at a minimum all the stairs and platform pieces needed to be replaced, along with the rope
ladder used to climb onto the playset. We requested a quote to purchase just the damaged parts and it
was $8,296. Furthermore, one damaged piece was not included so with its addition to the quote the cost
of parts will probably exceed $10,000.

While it would still be less expensive to repair the set by replacing these pieces, consideration needs to
be given to the remaining viable life of this equipment. It was originally purchased in 1999 so it is 24 years
old so there is a strong likelihood that replacement will be needed in the next three to five years. Because
we are about to install a new safety surface around this equipment, we believe consideration should be
given to replacing the playset at this time. Choosing not to do so now will result in the new surface having
to be removed and replaced whenever the playset is replaced. If that occurs within the next few years,
we are currently wasting a considerable amount of money by installing the playground surface without
the playset.

Because we are already under contract for the project which includes the new playground surface which
ties into many other components of the project, | do not think it is practical to remove this from the scope
of the project. Therefore, | am recommending the playset be replaced at this time. | have been in touch
with five playground equipment manufacturers which are all available through purchasing cooperatives.

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