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:
• Incorporated vibrant colors
• Applied a theme
• Added shade & seating
• More swings
• Increased number of play features
• Expanded poured in place surfacing
Staff also met with Utilities to determine the feasibility of constructing a second restroom at the Garden of Five Senses in close proximity to the playground. Based on staff discussions, it was determined a new lift station is required to support a new restroom facility and an engineered plan would be needed to secure a cost estimate. In addition to the costs associated with a lift station, it is estimated that a pre-engineered 2-stall restroom facility would cost approximately $80,000 plus any necessary site prep, pad, and permits. Should Commission desire to move forward with adding a second restroom at the Garden of Five Senses, it is recommended that this be budgeted in the 2018-19 Capital Improvement Program. For reference, the existing restroom facility at the Garden of Five Senses is located approximately 500 feet from the proposed playground entrance.
As part of the Boundless Playground project, a gateway sign, fencing and a sidewalk connection are also proposed. Staff contacted the North Port Wood Carvers to inquire if there was interest in assisting with the design and construction of a gateway sign, however, it was determined that the scope of the project was outside their area of expertise. As a result, staff contacted a commercial sign company and received a ballpark estimate of between $16,000 to $24,000 for a 20ft. x 20ft. single archway sign. Fencing ($4,500) around the perimeter of the playground, a pervious concrete sidewalk ($22,000) connecting the existing walkway and the playground, and site prep ($6,000) is estimated at an additional $32,500.
Staff have identified several potential grant opportunities that the City is eligible to apply for to offset the cost of the project. Pending approval of the conceptual plan and then the playground equipment purchase, staff intends to submit applications that could recoup anywhere from $250 - $75,000 of the project costs (if awarded) provided the submission cycles align with the project timeline.
Strategic Plan
Maintained/Upgraded/Expanded City Infrastructure
Financial Impact
Funds for the Boundless Playground project are budgeted in the FY 17-18 Capital Improvement Program under project P17BPG for a total of $500,000.
Procurement
Pending Commission approval of the conceptual plan, staff will submit a separate agenda item requesting approval for the purchase of the Boundless Playground equipment and amenities at a future City Commission meeting.
Attachments:
1. Boundless Playground Conceptual Plan
2. Boundless Playground Site Location Map
3. Boundless Playground Proposal
4. Boundless Playground Community Outreach
5. 08-18-16 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting minutes
Prepared by: Sandy Pfundheller
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller