The Owen Parks & Recreation Committee met at Mill Pond Park on Thursday, August 21 to discuss the possible purchase of new playground equipment using grant funds. Clerk Tracy Rau found a grant that will pay 100 percent of the cost if it is over $75,000. It is believed that includes the rubber tire base to go under the equipment. The playground equipment needs to be ordered and paid for by October and will be delivered after the first of the year. The grant will reimburse the city for the cost of the actual equipment now and they will get the rest in the spring after installation is complete.
Committee member Hailey Wyro asked if they could do some add-ons. She suggested transfer platforms, a percussion garden, an expression swing, and talk tubes. She felt that would provide something for children who have a disability.
The approximate size of the equipment chosen is 49 feet by 33 feet. There was discussion of removing the toddler set, relocating the small slide and spring animals, and removing a tree to accommodate the set. But after looking at the equipment that is currently there and seeing the cracks in the set with the large slide, it was decided to remove that piece of equipment and put the new equipment between the band pavilion and the toddler set. Committee chair Ray Kilty will provide GameTime with a site map for placing the equipment.
The old equipment could either just be removed and disposed of or it could be sold as is with the new owner having to remove it by a certain date.
The committee will recommend the grant purchase to the council along with the chosen site.