Parks and recreational spaces have the potential to impact both quality of life and home values positively but require maintenance and upkeep to stay attractive to residents.
This week the Cold Spring City Council reviewed a proposal from Amy Riddle, a company representative from Bluegrass Recreation, a Kentucky-based company headquartered in Danville specializing in playground equipment design and implementation.
The presentation was made after previous research to vet potential vendors and funding levels for the project led by public works director Ronnie Hitch, with a goal of replacing old, dated playground equipment all around the city.
“The presentation went well,” said Hitch. “I think the vendor gave the council everything they needed to make a decision as to whether and how the project moves forward.” Hitch worked with Bluegrass Recreation in partnership with a playground committee comprised of volunteer Cold Spring citizens and city staff members.
“It’s time to replace most of the park equipment – it’s been there at least 20 years,” said Mark Majors, resident of Cold Spring and volunteer participant in the playground committee.
“This would be our spotlight park,” said council member Cindy Moore in response to the size and scope of the proposed concept, a flagship project for a state-of-the-art playscape for the Community Center Municipal Park that could cost the city as much as $604,000.
The project cost would include teardown and removal of the old playground equipment, purchase price of new playground equipment, installation, and shipping costs. According to the proposed vendor, with proper maintenance and upkeep the equipment should last the city another 20 years and would include a 10-year warranty.
The park includes a permeable surface that exceeds ADA compliance for wheelchair accessibility, has areas for a variety of age groups, and includes a quiet space for those with sensory issues who may get overstimulated with vigorous play.
The future of the playground is dependent on whether it is approved for inclusion in the 2024 project as part of the fiscal planning process that must have an approved budget in place by June 30.