Pah Rah Park All Abilities Playground was completed in October of 2013.  Since opening, the playground has become a regional draw.  The high intensity of use has caused the playgrounds synthetic turf to wear beyond its useful life, requiring replacement.  Staff looked at various cost-effective resurfacing options that would require less maintenance and perform better with the intensity of use the playground experiences.

The 2’ x 2’ playground tile was deemed the best solution for replacement of the existing synthetic turf at the Pah Rah All Abilities Playground.  It will provide a flat uniform surface that is essential for an inclusive playground, as well as having a proven performance in parks locally for maintenance and ease of spot replacement if necessary.

The City of Sparks received one (1) responsive bid for this project on December 5, 2019 by 2:00 p.m.  The bid received from Garden Shop Nursery Landscaping Division was the lowest responsive bid in the amount of $357,393.56. 

Staff has reviewed the bid received.  The original budget during the establishment of the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) process was projected at $275,000.  The budget was reviewed prior to the bidding process and the estimated budget was revised to $306,000.  Several factors have been identified that caused an increase in the overall cost of the project.  First, the original tile was designed for a fall height of eight (8) feet which met ASTM specifications at the time.  New ASTM specifications require a ten (10) foot fall height which increases the depth of the tile system required.  Second, during the design phase the consultant found additional underground drainage improvements that would be required.  Lastly, construction access to and from the playground is limited to lighter and smaller equipment and requires numerous trips to the playground area.

Staff is recommending award using the full budget available for this project identified in the CIP along with the Annual Improvements Park District 2 budget and a portion of the Pah Rah Dog Park project funding.  Staff will re-evaluate estimated budgeting for the Pah Rah Dog Park considering the limited access and propose this project be re-budgeted in the upcoming CIP process for Fiscal Year 21.

A summary of the qualified bid is shown below:         

1. Council could approve the construction contract as outlined by staff.
2. Council could reject the construction contract and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move to approve the construction contract (AC-5637) for the Pah Rah Playground Surface Improvement Project with Garden Shop Nursery Landscaping Division in the amount of $357,393.56.