HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated October 22, 2024ITEM #:12
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:CARR PARK AGILITY COURSE PROJECT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
As part of the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Parks and Recreation replaces several pieces of
playground equipment each year. Staff has been working to diversify the types of equipment to be
installed in the parks in order to provide a variety of offerings. In October 2021, City Council approved
the placement of agility course equipment in Carr Park, 1704 Meadowlane Avenue. An agility course
consists of multiple pieces of equipment that allows individuals (youth and adult) to utilize their upper
and lower body strength to complete multiple activities, which may include cargo nets, over-head
ladders, balance beams, ledge hanger, spider walk, and others.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
Prior to Council approving the placement of the agility course equipment in Carr Park in October 2021,
staff held two public meetings. Approximately 180 households in the Carr Park neighborhood received
a postcard for the first meeting which was held virtually on August 11, 2021. Staff explained the project
to the approximately eight individuals who attended the meeting. Shortly after the initial meeting, staff
started receiving emails and phone calls from neighbors indicating they heard about the proposed
project but did not know about the meeting. Feedback from these calls included comments in favor and
opposed to the addition of the agility course in Carr Park.
After receiving the additional feedback, staff determined a second meeting was necessary. To make
neighbors aware of the meeting and the project, an informational letter with pictures and links to similar
equipment as to what was being proposed was sent to approximately 400 homes surrounding the Carr
Park neighborhood. The second meeting was held in late August 2021 at Homewood Golf Course. Staff
again presented information about the agility course and addressed the questions and concerns that were
received from the email and phone call correspondences. Several concerns staff committed to working
on included demolishing the bathhouse (completed); adding sidewalk to make a continuous walkway
along Meadowlane Avenue (included in the agility course design); completing regular maintenance on
the agility course equipment (will be completed); reviewing the parking lot to ensure efficient use of the
lot (will be done); and working with the neighborhood in providing equipment with colors that fit into
the existing landscape of the park (completed).
A third public meeting was held with Carr Park neighbors at Homewood Golf Course on October 16.
Approximately 15 individuals attended. Staff presented final plans for the project and communicated
with the neighbors some of the solutions to the issues that were presented at the August 2021 meeting.
Neighbors also provided their preference of colors for the playground surfacing, which is attached.
FUNDING:
The City contracted with Snyder and Associates, Ankeny, Iowa, to develop plans and specifications and
a cost estimate for the project. Originally, City Council allocated $345,760 for the agility course an d
$393,363 for a shelter/restroom to be constructed at the park. However, Council recently gave
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direction to staff to postpone the construction of the restroom and reprogram it at a later time if
necessary, and to proceed with completing the agility course project with a shelter. Total funding
available for the project is $739,123.
Engineers estimated costs are outlined in the table below.
Engineering and Design $ 16,500
Project Estimate $642,707
Contingency 10%$ 64,271
Total Project Cost $723,478
With the estimated project cost of $723,478 and identified available funding of $739,123, there is
enough funding to complete the project. Bids are due to the City on November 27 and staff will bring
bid information to Council on December 10. The project is expected to start construction in spring
2025.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve plans and specification for the Carr Park Agility Course Project and set November 27,
2024 as the bid due date and December 10, 2024, as date of public hearing and award.
2. Do not approve plans and specifications for the Carr Park Agility Course Project.
3. Refer this item back to staff with direction as to how to proceed.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The agility course provides a diverse type of equipment that is not offered anywhere else in the
park system. The public is excited about this project and solutions have been included as part of
the project to alleviate some of the concerns from the residents of the neighborhood. Therefore,
staff feels this project proposal is a win-win for all. Therefore, is it the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Agility Course Color Option Green on Green.pdf
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