Commission reviews two playground design concepts for Cottonwood and Hoff parks

Parks staff presented design concepts Nov. 12 for replacing playgrounds at Cottonwood and Hoff parks and asked commissioners for preferences and design direction.

Dylan Campbell (parks operations) showed two alternate concept packages per park: a larger 'treetop' netted climbing structure geared toward older kids, and a more traditional multi-slide-and-spinner configuration with accessibility-focused elements. Staff noted site constraints such as tree locations, existing bark surfacing, safety clearances and funding timelines.

Commissioners strongly prioritized adding swings (a frequent community request) and accessible spinner equipment. One commissioner noted Thompson Park’s existing swings are slated for removal, increasing local demand. Staff said they would try to accommodate swings where site geometry allows and would run safety clearances against existing trees and bark surfacing requirements.

Budget and durability questions were discussed: staff cautioned that premium equipment and shade structures rapidly increase costs and that site furnishings (benches, trash/recycling) and more durable surfacing can add to capital needs. The team agreed to refine designs and circulate final concept renderings and costs by email for commissioner feedback before seeking council approval.

No formal design approval or contract award took place. Next steps include staff refining schematic designs, running safety clearances for swing placement and producing cost estimates for commission review and possible council consideration.