7.1.B. PRSR 11-09-2011REQUEST FOR ACTION
TO ITEM NUMBER
Parks and Recreation Commission 7.1.B
AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY
Action Item November 9, 2011 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation
Director
ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By
Removal of Ridgewood Paxk Playground Cal Poxtnex, Ci Administrator
REVIEWED BY
ACTION REQUESTED
Staff recommends the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend approval of removing the
playground at Ridgewood Paxk and not replacing it.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The playground at Ridgewood Paxk was originally installed in 1987 and then had several portions added
on in the early 1990's. It is the oldest playground in the Elk River Paxk system. Playground inspections
indicate that the playground structure has a list of safety issues and concerns that warrants the need to
remove it.
ANALYSIS
The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the Ridgewood Playground last month at the parks
capital improvement Commission work session. Fifty-thousand ($50,000) was originally recommended to
replace the current playground with a new play system. Park inspections indicate that the playground
needs to be removed as soon as possible fox the following reasons:
• The wood decking boards are warped, splitting and rotting. They feel flimsy and have difficulty
supporting the weight of a large person.
• The side panels are possible head entanglement hazards.
• Parts are obsolete and can no longer be replaced.
• The spiral slide is cracked and broken where it is attached to the structure.
The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed with staff removing the playground and not replacing it.
It was discussed and recommended not replacing the playground fox the following reasons:
• The parks capital budget is tight and very limited. It is recommended that the $50,000 be utilized
fox park projects that will better meet the needs of a larger resident base. This includes trail
improvements and allocating a portion of the $50,000 toward the needed Orono Paxk playground
replacement.
• The recommended replacement size similar in scale to the current playground no longer has the
playabiliry to attract children. Children are most likely attracted to larger playgrounds with more
playabiliry features.
• The demographics of the area neighborhood have changed with less younger children interested
in a small playground.
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Staff plans to remove the playground this month. We will then see if any area residents are concerned
with the removal and absence of the playground by next spring 2012. We plan to again discuss with the
Commission in early 2012 capital park improvements.
ATTACHMENTS
^ Location Map
Action Motion by _ Second by _ Vote _
Follow Up
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