HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated March 11, 2025ITEM #:20
DATE:03-11-25
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:CHRISTOFFERSON PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Park playground equipment is replaced approximately every 20 years according to a replacement plan
maintained by Parks and Recreation staff. Due to the fact that some equipment gets used more than
others, staff annually reviews each piece of playground equipment to determine its condition and
whether it should be replaced. After each review, staff recommends which structures should be
included in the five-year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP).
The playground equipment at Christofferson Park, 2130 Oakwood Road, was included in the FY
2024/25 CIP for replacement. Staff sent a Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified playground
equipment representatives, inviting them to submit proposals to replace the playground equipment in
Christofferson Park. The RFP stated that $67,000 was available for playground equipment and
installation.
Playground equipment vendors were allowed to submit a maximum of two proposals each. A total of
seven proposals were received. Staff evaluated each proposal based on the following criteria: safety;
play features including balancing, spinning, sliding, climbing and swinging components; site
compatibility; accessibility and inclusivity; supports physical, cognitive, and emotional/social
development; cost vs. relative play value; unique play features; and aesthetics compared to existing
structures within the park, as well the overall park system. The vendors and the cost of the proposals
are listed in the table below.
Vendor Proposal 1 Proposal 2
BCI Burke Company, Fond du
Lac, Wisconsin $68,007 $68,071
Boland Recreation,
Marshalltown, Iowa $67,000 $67,000
Cunningham Recreation,
Charlotte, North Carolina $65,359 N/A
Play-Pro Recreation, Clive, Iowa $67,000 $67,000
FUNDING:
There is $77,400 budgeted for the new playground equipment at Christofferson Park as part of the FY
2024/25 CIP. Purchasing equipment for $67,000 will leave $10,400 to finish the project which includes
a concrete border and Engineered Wood Fibers (EWF).
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to Boland Recreation, Inc., Marshalltown, Iowa, to purchase playground
equipment (Proposal 1) for Christofferson Park in the amount of $67,000.
2. Award a contract to one of the other companies for a proposal submitted.
3. Do not award a contract at this time and refer back to staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Residents of Ames continually rate the playgrounds in the parks as "good" or "very good" over
90 percent of time as part of the resident satisfaction survey. In an effort to provide excellent
playground amenities that are safe and enjoyable, staff is continually looking to find diverse
playground equipment for the parks. The playground at Christofferson Park is over 20 years old
and in need of replacement. Staff feels that Proposal 1 submitted by Boland Recreation, Inc., best
fits the desired features for that park. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that
the City Council adopt Alternative #1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A - Christofferson Park Proposal 1 - Pic 1.jpg
Attachment B - Christofferson Park Proposal 1 - Pic 2.jpg
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