An engineering estimate to replace worn and outdated playground equipment in Fort Thomas’ Tower Park is now upwards of $4.5 million, a much larger figure than originally discussed.
The “Hero Park” project would include equipment that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and surfaces designed to accommodate children of all abilities and ages. The estimate includes the equipment and surfaces but also the engineering involved in preparing the space and the facilities designed to support it.
Earlier this year, the city’s recreation committee took a look at what it might cost to replace the playground equipment in the city’s largest and most used park. At the time, the committee estimated it would be at least $1 million, but they needed to do much more research.
At the August city council meeting, resident Dennis Pompilio said he was surprised at the costs and asked about what went into the estimate and the increases.
Early estimates grow as needs identified
“That early estimate might have come out of discussions of what we thought it might cost prior to the idea of putting a surface in, with just sticking with mulch, just the equipment itself,” Mayor Eric Haas said. “We didn’t have any idea when we first started.”
Council member Adam Blau confirmed that initial talks were much lower.
“It did start at $1 million, but I think we were just talking about replacing equipment at that time,” Blau said. “We started discussing it, getting more of the public involved. We talked about making it more ADA-compliant. And then, this came as a shock to me, the turf itself was $2.5 million.”
The special surface, he said, would not only make the playground more accessible but also available for sue year round.
After additional research, the city estimated the cost would be closer to $2.5 million, and that is the figure added to the city’s fiscal year budget in June. Since then, the city requested an estimate of what the entire project might cost from an engineering standpoint.
The engineers came back with the $4.5 million price tag. The estimate included some demolition; earthwork, such as excavation and grading; drains and piping; walkways, steps, ramps and handrails. Masonry, landscaping and site furnishings were listed, as well as water lines for a potential sprayground.
Yet, the big ticket item was the accessible equipment and special surfacing, coming in at more than $2.5 million alone.
“It allows children in wheelchairs or any disability to be able to use the park,” said City Administrator Matt Kremer. “It’s an all-inclusive park, which is why it is so expensive.”
When asked about the increase, Kremer said the budget was created before the engineering estimate came in. Any spending would have to be approved by council, he said.
What makes a playground accessible?
An inclusive playground accommodates children with a variety of needs, including those who use wheelchairs, have hearing or vision impairment or other disabilities. The goal of an accessible playground is to provide fun in a sensory-rich environment that allows all kids to develop critical physical, social and emotional skills, according to the website Kids Included Together.
Equipment for such a playground includes traditional playground facilities such as swings, climbing bars, benches, shelters, restrooms and, perhaps, a basketball court or water play area. Inclusive playgrounds also include some of the following amenities:
- Sensory play equipment, some in braille
- Larger, wider spaces to provide access for children in wheelchairs or with mobility devices
- Ramps so all children can access equipment
- Swings next to benches so adults can help a child who cannot swing on their own
- Swings with wheelchair-accessible seats
- Modified climbing frames for visually impaired children
- Play equipment oriented to the center of the play area, rather than the outside
- Special surfaces, such as turf or poured-in-place rubber
Next steps
While the engineers’ estimate covers many different aspects of the project, the actual bids will give the city a much clearer idea of what things cost and where they might modify their proposal to control costs.
Kremer said the bid packages would go out this week. The bid opening is set for mid-September before the council meeting so council will be able to examine and discuss the bids.
For more on inclusive playgrounds, see the Kids Included Together website. Another good information resource is the National Recreation and Park Association.