Staff outlines Sarasota Park playground reconstruction plan, commissioners ask for funding clarifications

Christy, parks staff, presented the Sarasota Park playground reconstruction project, described in the agenda as CIP project pk3013. She said the park — deeded to the city in 1933 and spanning about 9.7 acres — is slated for two age-appropriate, ADA-accessible playgrounds and that the project is included in the FY2026–2030 capital improvement plan.

"Project is included in the city's capital improvement plan as project p k 3 0 1 3, Sarasota Park," Christy said, noting the staff report lists state parks grant funding allocated for design and construction. She told commissioners the grant was authorized under the Budget Act of 2023 and that staff received an extension on the grant period; a target completion date of December 2028 was cited, and the grant liquidation deadline was listed as 06/30/2029.

Commissioners pressed staff to clarify the funding table in the report after spotting apparent mismatches between lines. Commissioners noted the report lists $200,000 for design/engineering and $350,000 for construction in one section, but elsewhere identifies $750,000 in grant funds and a FY2026–27 recommended budget that reads $200,000 in year 1 and $650,000 in year 2, which together suggest an $850,000 total. Staff said they would review the materials and return with corrected, consolidated figures.

Staff also described a procurement approach that would use a cooperative agreement (a "piggyback") rather than a standalone RFP; a vendor visit and equipment pricing and layout work by Dave Bang Associates are expected before the commission selects equipment options and forwards recommendations to council for final action. Commissioners requested public works attend the next meeting with an RFP/template draft and updated financials so momentum is not lost during staff transitions.

The commission did not take formal action on the project tonight; staff committed to providing clarified funding totals, updated financials and draft layouts at the next meeting.