After a review by the Town’s insurance carrier, the old wooden structures in the playground, such as the choo choo train and climbing wall, were deemed unsafe and a liability, and would need to be replaced. Council included $15K in the FY 2016 budget for the first phase of equipment to replace those wooden play structures. The swing set, zip line, and tractor tire swing will remain as part of the playground. While the Town allocated some funding, most of the money was raised by the community, mainly Citizens for Central Park – the total amount raised by CCP has been $30.6K. Part of this funding came from Northampton County after Hank Mayer and CCP secured funds via a grant. The Rotary Club, and Cape Charles School Association also made contributions, and combined with the Town appropriation of $15K, $45.6K is currently available to replace equipment at the playground.
The Town has selected Site Concepts, LLC, distributors of Miracle playground equipment, as the best proposal and best value. Attachment 1 is a rendering/layout of the equipment suite to be provided at a cost of $45.7K. Installation materials are estimated to cost $5.0K, bringing the total project cost to $50.7K for both phases. Installation will be performed by Public Works staff and community volunteers.
The Town approved the motion, opting for scenario 1, which will appropriate the $5.1K needed to complete the total playground project so that it will be ready for the kids this spring and summer.
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