At the Sept. 10 meeting, parks staff delivered a cluster of maintenance and capital project updates: they expect a replacement playground slide to ship this month with installation targeted for early–mid October, are ordering engineered wood fiber for several playgrounds, and are pursuing drainage improvements at the trail underpass.
Billy Coates told the board the town has filed an insurance claim for the damaged slide at Wellington Community Park. He said the insurer will contribute but that the claim is depreciated given the asset’s age — the town should not expect full replacement value. Coates said the slide order is placed and the contractor hopes to complete installation in the second or third week of October, subject to delivery and site work.
Parks staff also said they have ordered engineered wood fiber to refill playground surfaces at Sunrise Park and Park Meadows; leftover material may be used to support Viewpoint Park interim needs. Coates said the portables and restroom arrangements are under review and that the town put out an RFP for new porta-potty contract service to start early next year.
On trail infrastructure, staff reported that fisheye mirrors were installed at the underpass to improve visibility and that staff are discussing with Public Works the possibility of installing a sump pump or other drainage measures to reduce flooding. Coates said he has offered to split the cost from operations if the required work involves engineering support from Public Works, and that the project is being pursued before the wet season.
Staff also reported progress on other projects: a backflow device at Library Park has been installed for compliance with utility requirements and will be caged; the department is coordinating events and shifting engineered wood fiber supply as needed; and a Safe Routes grant purchase will bring four bike-fix stations to town for installation pending concrete pad work.
The board did not take formal action on these items; staff asked the board to note operational impacts and upcoming installations.