The Owen Parks & Recreation Committee met on Monday, February 9 to discuss new playground equipment for Mill Pond Park.
Clerk Tracy Rau wrote a letter to the potential donor requesting funding. The city should have an answer soon as to whether they will donate and how much. They would also like naming rights to the Mill Pond Park as part of the donation.
The playground equipment that had been looked at earlier is no longer available. Clerk Rau found something similar for less money. It is currently on sale for $36,840 if purchased before March 31. It would be delivered in June. Rau was also looking at a sound garden, but the piece she looked at isn’t available. She will look to see if she can find a smaller version. The nugget mulch will be similar to what is at Longwood Park and will cost $4,250 plus $800 for delivery. The city might be able to save the delivery cost by picking it up and they will do the work of laying it down. The total cost with the extra piece of equipment is approximately $52,000, not including shipping.
The new piece of playground equipment is 45’x39’ and has a capacity of 87 kids. It is 72” tall and is for kids ages 2-12. It has slides, ladders, a clock panel, catwalk, gear panel, climbers and a ring panel.
Committee member Hailey Wyro asked about using a QR code for people to make donations. She said the park in Marshfield does this.
Discussion went back to cost. The cost would be around $41,000 without the add-on and the city has budgeted $35,000. Committee member Scott Jalling said they could add the second piece later. Committee chair Ray Kilty said there would also be costs related to removing the old equipment and installing the new equipment. Committee member Rick Nelson said he knows someone that could help with repairs to the old playground equipment if they want to move it and use it elsewhere. Jalling said they would also have to pay for the sign with the donor’s name on it.
Jalling noted they will also be receiving some funds from Prevail Bank’s Shred Day. The Centennial Committee is also planning to donate funds, which will probably be in the neighborhood of $3,000.
The committee approved forwarding the purchase of the playground equipment and naming rights to the city council.