Board told contractor repairs left tot‑lot surfacing uneven; replacement parts ordered for damaged equipment

Parks staff told the advisory board on Oct. 15 that recent repairs to the Memorial Park tot lot surface were done incorrectly by the original installer and that staff has engaged a different company to correct the surfacing and to replace a broken play component.

Lorena said a large tree limb fell during an April storm and gouged the poured‑in‑place surfacing at the top lot. The original contractor returned to make repairs but those fixes were not satisfactory after two attempts; staff contracted another company to do the repair and cancelled further work by the original contractor. Lorena said the department will not pay invoices for the incorrect repair attempts.

Separately, a refurbished dinosaur spring rocker at the top lot was sheared in half and had to be removed; staff ordered a replacement component described as a “sensory cocoon” from the new contractor. Lorena said the sensory replacement spins on a solid shaft and should be more durable.

Staff cautioned the board that other nearby municipalities that used the same original contractor (Hampstead and Sykesville were named) have experienced similar surfacing failures and showed photos from Sykesville of multiple patch repairs. Lorena said those examples will be considered when evaluating future bidders and making recommendations to council for contract awards.

No formal board action was taken; staff said repairs and replacement installation are planned for spring.