|
The Rotary Integrated Accessible Playground at Jubilee Park in
Southampton, Saugeen Shores, is getting closer to reality.
Jayne Jagalewski of Community Services presented details to council on
Monday night, including the fact that three proposals had been received
to supply equipment and surfacing.
All three companies, Little Tykes...Playpower, Henderson Playground
Equipment and Recreation PlaySystems, were asked to present proposals
that would provide equipment at $120,000 and rubber surfacing at
$70,000.
While all three companies were able to meet costs, there were other
conditions that applied. "We had several criteria that had to be met,"
explained Jagalewski, "and a committee of three staff members and four
community volunteers rated the proposals based on a point system: play
value/design suitability/accessibility - 30 points; warranty - 10
points; project completion date - 10 points; aesthetics - 30 points;
budget/cost/price guarantee - 10 points; and request for proposal
compliance-10 points."
Based on all the criteria and price, Recreation PlaySystems was
recommended.
During 2009 budget discussions, council approved $235,000 for the
playground on the understanding that that all funds would be raised
prior to the project starting. A total of $240,00 has now been
committed. Staff requested that Council approve moving forward into
negotiations with Recreation PlaySystems for the $190,000 portion of the
project.
Jagalewski assured Council that fundraising efforts will continue. "The
response from the community has been overwhelming," she said. "The Bruce
Power donation of $75,000 will go toward the planned sensory garden and
equipment."
 |
Councilor Diane Huber said that council has an opportunity with this
project to show that it (project) could be done while sticking to a
budget. "I would like some assurance that revisions, such as the sensory
garden, are relegated to the Bruce Power donation. I have some hesitancy
that such a large portion, $190,000, of the total is already spoken
for." Councilor Victoria Serda, who sits on the Accessibility
Committee, again assured Council that fund-raising is continuing. One
area that she was concerned with however, was the lack of amenities for
seniors. "At one point," she said, "we talked about an area where
seniors could sit and, perhaps, play checkers or whatever, but I don't
see that here in the plan."
Jagalewski said that an area such as described by Serda would be part of
the Sensory Garden.
Council finally approved the recommendation to enter into negotiations
with Recreation PlaySystems but that staff would report back to Council
in January, 2010 with a final design and site plan.
To view the concept of the new Integrated Accessible Playground,
click here
|
for
world news,
books, sports, movies ...
