Council approves additional swings, shade option for Heritage Park playground

The Florence Town Council authorized the town manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Arizona Recreational Design Inc. to install an additional three‑bay, six‑swing structure with an integrated shade canopy at Heritage Park.

Parks staff presented two quotes: with shade and without shade. The shade option added roughly $22,000 to the price but integrates the canopy into the swing structure and was preferred by staff. Councilmembers discussed the mix of swing seats to best serve playground users and people with disabilities. Councilmember Bucellato suggested one additional ADA‑compliant swing and more regular belt swings so siblings can swing together; staff and council settled on a configuration for the new purchase that the council approved:

• One additional ADA‑compliant swing (bringing the park’s total ADA seats higher)

• Three traditional belt swings

• One “mommy‑and‑me” generation swing that allows an adult and child to swing together

• One toddler bucket swing

• Shade integrated (Option 2)

Staff said the new swing structure will sit between the two existing play areas, near an accessible sidewalk and ramadas, and that the placement was selected for flow of play and sight lines. Council voted in favor of granting the town manager authority to negotiate the contract and proceed with Option 2 (shade included). The motion passed by voice vote.