To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ELIZABETH HAUSE, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING DESIGN OF THE FRANKLIN PARK PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PROJECT
APPROVE THE PROPOSED DESIGN OF THE FRANKLIN PARK PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PROJECT AND DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A CORRESPONDING AGREEMENT WITH GAMETIME FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF THE NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council allocated $500,000 in the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget to replace the existing Franklin Park playground equipment with what would be the City's first all-abilities play space, developed with guidance from a diverse stakeholder group of community members, disability advocates, therapists, park users, and Public Amenities Commissioners. The proposed design fits within the Park's existing playground footprint and features inclusive elements such as ramps, sensory panels, climbers, a platform rocker, and additional perimeter activities, coordinated with existing amenities near the area. The Public Amenities Commission reviewed and supports the project and offered input for consideration by the City Council. Pending approval of the design and execution of a contract with GameTime, the new equipment would be installed by Summer 2026.
BACKGROUND
The CIP Budget includes funding to replace the aging playground equipment at Franklin Park with an all-abilities playground structure. This would be the City's first inclusive playground for children with disabilities and other developmental challenges. To help guide the design of this unique play space, staff along with Councilmember Kaluderovic, whose district includes Franklin Park, convened a stakeholder group of community members with meaningful ties to the project. The group included park users; occupational therapists and other developmental professionals; parents and family members of children with disabilities that frequent the park; a representative from the Friendship F...
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