Loomis moves forward on Prop 68-funded Sunrise Loomis playground designs; council asked to identify $175,000 to complete project

The Loomis Town Council reviewed final designs and a funding plan on June 13 for replacement of two aging playground structures at Sunrise Loomis Park. The project is primarily funded by a Prop 68 per-capita grant ($177,900) and previously budgeted local funds ($97,000), but staff said the estimated total cost, including play equipment, site work and contingency, is about $360,000 with a planning-level ceiling near $450,000.

Consultant Dylan Butterbaugh described the community design process and key goals: more play variety and graduated challenge, accessible entrances, swings, multisensory and ground-level play components, and shade and supervision considerations. "We came up with goals to provide play equipment that is simple and safe, incorporate shade and varied play varieties for different ages and abilities," he told the council.

Staff recommended purchasing the equipment through a cooperative procurement (Sourcewell) to shorten lead time and save cost, then soliciting bids for installation. To complete the project as proposed, staff asked council to identify approximately $175,000 in additional funding, which could come from the park development fund but would reduce funds available for other future CIP park projects. Staff said one of the previously budgeted CIP items (concrete repairs) had already been completed and funded from a separate allocation.

Council discussed sequencing and trade-offs (shade structures, splash-pad repairs and other amenities) and directed staff to move ahead with final plans and bring a full funding package and bids to the next meeting. Construction procurement and award were projected for late summer, with construction starting in September and completion timed to the grant schedule.

The council made clear a desire to balance timely completion with preserving funds for other planned park projects; staff said they will return with final plans, bid documents and a recommended funding appropriation at the next meeting for formal authorization.