TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Conceptual Plan for Boundless Playground at the Garden of Five Senses
Recommended Action
City Commission review and provide direction regarding the conceptual plan for a Boundless Playground at the Garden of Five Senses park.
Background Information
At the August 18, 2016 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting, there was consensus of the Board to recommend the Garden of Five Senses as the location for the development of a Boundless Playground. The Boundless Playground concept incorporates universally accessible playground equipment making it as easy as possible for everyone to play, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
As part of the FY 2016-17 Capital Improvement Program, $220,000 was earmarked for the development of the Boundless Playground project. On April 6, 2017, the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board made a presentation to Commission recommending a design concept for the Boundless Playground. At that meeting, Commission provided direction for staff to contact stakeholders and user groups to solicit feedback on the proposed design and to incorporate several additional amenities such as shade, seating and a restroom. In addition, it was requested that staff research potential grants and consider collaborating with the local woodworking club to assist in the design and installation of a gateway sign. In FY 2017-18, an additional $280,000 was added to the project to support expanded amenities.
Outreach to stakeholders and user groups included a meeting with T-Rec participants, families and staff on May 15th; a community workshop on May 18th; an online survey that was active from June 13th to July 5th; and several social media posts that generated comments and suggestions (see attached report). Based on feedback received from stakeholders and user groups, the design was revised to include the following features and amenities:
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