Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Review of Inclusive Themed Playground at Community Park 42, Merced’s Regional Sports Complex, for the Amount of $459,021.29
REPORT IN BRIEF
Presentation on the design & build playground amenities agreed to in an amount not to exceed $459,021.29 with PlayCore Wisconsin Inc. dba GameTime to fulfil the First 5 of Merced County Safe Play Initiative.
RECOMMENDATION
Info Only
Body
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200 et seq.
Charter of the City of Merced, Article XI, Section 1111-Competitive bidding, and Merced Municipal Code Chapter 3.04, Article III - the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, and contractual services of an estimated value greater than thirty-eight thousand dollars ($38,000.00), the "contract threshold," shall be made by the purchasing supervisor by written contract with the lowest responsible bidder.
California Government Code Section 4526 - Selection of a firm to perform engineering services shall be on the basis of demonstrated competence and on the professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-2025 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Safe Play Initiative- First 5 Merced County Grant Award
First 5 Merced County released a request for proposals for a Safe Play Initiative to extend play opportunities to underserved, underdeveloped areas, increasing access to healthy, safe play options for all.
City of Merced Parks & Community Services submitted an application for installing two new “All-Inclusive Themed” playgrounds in the City of Merced and requested $700,000 in the proposal. The two new playgrounds are dedicated to General Vang Pao Park in Bellevue Ranch and the second at Community Park 42- Merced’s Regional Sports Complex. The grant was awarded and is in contract through June 2025.
Design & Build Request-for-Proposals
A Request for Proposals was released in August and closed in October 2024. The City received two proposals which were ranked as follows:
1. PlayCore Wisconsin Inc. dba GameTime
2. Park Planet
Proposed Project Overview
Matching Grant Offer
GameTime was selected based on an offer to match the City budget with a GameTime Community Champions Playground Grant Program adding $147,730.23 value to the project budget.
All Inclusive Theme
GameTime will install two distinct areas within in designated playground area, one focused on 2-5-year-olds and children with limited mobility that includes large platforms and zero entry ramps and the second area with more challenging equipment aimed at 5-12-year-olds.
Incorporated Shade
When discussing playground priorities with the Recreation & Parks Commission and the general community, shade continues to be a top priority for playgrounds.
GameTime provided two options for shade. The City is electing the option for the most shade which includes large shades over each platform based play area.
Timeline
To complete the project within with contracted timeline of June 2025, a Design & Build contract is being utilized to streamline both timelines. Designs will be reviewed by City of Merced Engineering for final approval.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Project CP240052 was established as a Capital Improvement Project and contains sufficient funding to complete the project. This agreement will be 100% grant funded.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Final Revised Request for Proposals
2. Final CP 42 Playground Renderings