9.1 PRSR 02-09-2022
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
9.1
Agenda Section
Discussion Item
Meeting Date
February 9, 2022
Prepared by
Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description
Lion John Weicht Park Playground
Reviewed by
Tim Sevcik, Streets and Parks Superintendent
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Discuss replacing the playground at Lion John Weicht Park
Background/Discussion
The Commission discussed two months ago the playground replacement at Lion John Weicht Park. The cost
estimate was $50,000. The vendor informed us this price was contingent upon the associated addition of a Ninja
playground. The Commission decided to not include the $285,000 Ninja playground in 2020. The vendor’s
estimate to singularly replace the playground is over $110,000. This is based on state contract pricing.
Playgrounds are inspected regularly for safety compliance. The industry standard lifecycle replacement for
commercial playground structures is 25 years. The LJWP playground is beyond this lifecycle and will be facing
costly repairs or removal. Six playgrounds are planned for replacement over the next six years: Country Crossing
Park (2025), Trott Brook Farms Park (2025), Riverplace Park (2026), Fresno Park (2027), Mississippi Oaks Park
(2027), and Highlands Park (2028).
Replacement parts for older structures can be costly as the original parts are no longer manufactured and require
custom orders or playground modification to accommodate new equipment. Based on the playground inspection
reports, it is highly likely the cost of replacement parts will exceed the playground equipment maintenance budget
requiring removal.
Parks maintenance will decide if we can safely keep the Lions Park playground through 2022. They will work to
keep costs down if any replacement parts are needed.
Financial Impact
The city currently has 22 playgrounds in our park system with $8,000 in the operating budget for replacement
parts. This does not include major replacement parts that the Lions Park playground may require in 2022.
Attachments
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