Hudson council approves Oak Grove site and design contract for inclusive playground after failed bid to switch to Barlow Farm

Hudson City Council voted unanimously on June 17 to approve a design contract and proceed with an inclusive playground at Oak Grove Park, rejecting a last-minute amendment to move the project to Barlow Farm Park.

Councilor Dr. Getz proposed the amendment, saying the Barlow design would cost about $50,000 instead of $100,000 and that Oak Grove would ‘‘cost the city an additional $325,000,’’ according to her remarks. Council President Foster and other members pushed back, saying the park board and community partners had recommended Oak Grove and that the overall funding strategy reduced the city’s one-time expenditure.

The vote to amend consent agenda item 25-95 to replace Oak Grove with Barlow Farm Park was moved by Councilor Dr. Getz and seconded by Councilor Kowalski. The roll-call tally was 6 no, 1 yes (Getz), and the amendment failed. The original consent item to authorize the city manager to enter a contract with GPD Group for design work on the Oak Grove Inclusive Playground then passed by a 7-0 roll call.

Discussion among councilors focused on fiscal tradeoffs, the park board’s recommendation process and fundraising. Councilor Banwig said Oak Grove would add a new developed park to the city’s inventory rather than duplicating amenities and noted the expected mix of funding sources, including state grants, Summit County contributions and funds from the Hudson Inclusive Playground (HIP) fundraising effort. Councilor Kowalski said she seconded the amendment to allow public discussion but would not vote to delay the project, citing the importance of maintaining the project timeline.

City Manager Sheridan said the consultant could begin design at the end of the month if council approved the contract, and he emphasized the need for a ‘‘design freeze’’ so the consultant can scope the work without midstream changes. Sheridan also said HIP fundraising will continue and that the city would explore formal mechanisms for receiving private donations so those funds can offset project costs. He noted the project budget includes a 10% contingency and that the city’s historical contingency use is typically below that figure.

Councilors also warned that reopening location debate at this stage could jeopardize the project timeline and the work already completed by volunteers and staff. Councilor Sutton said changing the site now could ‘‘potentially just scuttle the entire project’’ and called the late amendment ‘‘disrespectful’’ to the Inclusive Playground volunteers.

The Oak Grove design contract approved as item 25-95 authorizes the city manager to enter into an agreement with GPD Group for design services and declares the item an emergency to accelerate design work. Staff said the final equipment purchases and installation will rely on outside grant and donated funding and that work will be coordinated through the Parks Department and HIP partners.

The council directed staff to proceed with the design at Oak Grove, keep the consultant’s footprint fixed to avoid scope creep and continue coordination with HIP and other fundraising channels.