HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated February 24, 2026ITEM #:17
DATE:02-24-26
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR PARKVIEW PARK
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Park playground equipment is replaced approximately every twenty years according to a
replacement plan maintained by City staff. Because some equipment gets used more than
others, staff annually reviews all playground equipment to determine the condition of each
piece of equipment 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 in Parkview Park, 1730 Buchanan Court, was included in the FY
2025/26 CIP for replacement. Please note there are two playground locations in Parkview
Park. One is located at the north end of the park, and one is located at the south end. The
equipment at the north end is the location that is up 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 Parkview Park. The
RFP stated that $64,000 was available for playground equipment and installation. Staff
received multiple proposals and evaluated them 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 as the overall park system.
Six vendors submitted proposals:
1. Boland Recreation, Marshalltown, Iowa
2. Play-Pro Recreation, Clive, Iowa
3. BCI Burke Company, Inc., North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
4. Crouch Recreation, Elkhorn, Nebraska
5. J. Oliver Construction, LLC., Kansas City, Kansas
6. Midwest Playscapes Inc., Des Moines, Iowa
A total of nine (9) proposals were submitted with each including equipment and installation at a
proposed cost of $64,000.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
Staff evaluated the multiple proposals received and selected five options (Attachment A) from
BCI Burke Company, Boland Recreation, Crouch Recreation, and Play-Pro Recreation to
present for public feedback. Residents were asked to provide feedback on the playground
proposals through a survey that was included in the weekly Parks and Recreation E-
newsletter that is distributed to over 13,000 email addresses. The survey link was also posted
on social media.
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In total, 164 results were received. Survey results indicate that respondents favored the
options in the following order:
Option 4 (61) Play-Pro Recreation
Option 5 (47) Play-Pro Recreation
Option 2 (25) Boland Recreation
Option 1 (16) BCI Burke Company
Option 3 (15) Crouch Recreation
The survey also asked residents if they lived within walking distance of the park. Of the
respondents, 77 individuals (47%) lived within walking distance of the park.
BUDGET:
There is $75,500 budgeted for a new playground structure, swings, concrete playground
border, and engineered wood fiber surfacing. The approximate cost for the total project is
$75,000, which includes $64,000 for the equipment and $11,000 for the concrete playground
border and surfacing.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to Play-Pro Recreation, Clive, Iowa, to purchase and install playground
equipment, Option 4, for Parkview Park in the amount of $64,000.
2. Award a contract to Play-Pro Recreation, Clive, Iowa, to purchase and install playground
equipment, Option 5, for Parkview Park, in the amount of $64,000.
3. Award a contract to Boland Recreation, Marshalltown, Iowa, to purchase and install
playground equipment, Option 2, for Parkview Park in the amount of $64,000.
4. Do not award a contract.
5. Refer this item back to staff for further information
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Residents of Ames, year after year, rate the playgrounds in the parks good or very good
over ninety percent of the time. In an effort to keep playground equipment safe and
enjoyable, they need to be replaced on a periodic basis. The playground in Parkview
Park is due for replacement. Based feedback from staff and residents, Option 4 is the
most desired playground equipment proposal. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the
City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1 as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A - Parkview Park Playground Options.pdf
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Parkview Park Playground Options
Option 1:
Option 2:
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Option 3:
Option 4:
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Option 5:
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