Norwalk committee approves $154,805 sole‑source playground purchase for Fox Run School
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Summary
The committee authorized a sole‑source purchase order to M.E. O'Brien & Sons for playground equipment and installation at Fox Run School not to exceed $154,805.92; staff said the project was in the capital budget, designs were approved by school leadership, and installation is targeted for winter.
The Norwalk Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee on Nov. 12 authorized a sole‑source purchase order to M.E. O'Brien & Sons for playground equipment and installation at Fox Run School for an amount not to exceed $154,805.92.
Staff said the purchase was previously approved as a capital project and that school leaders had reviewed and approved playground designs. Parks staff described the expected useful life of school playground equipment as about 12 to 15 years and said the selected vendor choice preserves parts compatibility and maintenance support. "The school is getting exactly what they want for this playground," said a parks representative.
The committee confirmed equipment will meet ADA compliance standards where required (staff said portions must meet accessibility standards but that not every element is '100% compliant'); staff also said they are commissioning a comprehensive playground audit to identify other needs across the city. Installation was expected by Christmas or late winter, per staff.
Why it matters: The capital purchase replaces aging equipment at a school that doubles as neighborhood park space after school hours. The committee approved the sole‑source approach and noted it was part of the previously adopted capital budget.
What happened next: The motion passed unanimously; staff will issue a purchase order and schedule installation with contractor coordination.