Farmers Branch parks staff outline playground replacements and zipline safety changes

Parks staff updated the Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation Board on plans to replace aging playground equipment and on safety changes to a popular zipline and fenced areas.

Staff said the Dutch Village playground, installed roughly 25 years ago, needs full replacement. "The whole thing needs to come out," Speaker 3 said, adding staff are working with the vendor Game Time and their risk manager to determine replacement costs. Staff plan to present three design options at the June meeting — described as modern, typical and clubhouse-style — and will seek a board recommendation before taking equipment purchases to city council.

Why it matters: the playground footprint, adjacent sidewalk placement and runoff issues require redesign to improve safety and durability. Staff noted that insurance will likely cover replacement at replacement cost but said the city may spend additional funds to upgrade materials for longer life. CIP funds were identified as available to help offset costs.

Staff also described planned fencing and zipline modifications at another park to improve crowd control and slow zipline speeds. Speaker 3 described a proposed black wrought-iron fence following the existing concrete path with multiple gates (some emergency-only) and said a portion of the zipline exit and concrete will be removed and the grade raised about 2–3 feet to reduce speed. Board member Speaker 4 raised a safety concern that a single entrance could create a pinch point during an active-shooter incident; staff replied multiple gates and emergency exit procedures are part of the plan.

Staff emphasized durability choices — for example, newer composite plastics and shade structures to reduce sun damage — to reduce maintenance costs over time. "There's some newer things that is more of a composite plastic ... and it will last many, many years to come," Speaker 3 said.

Next steps: staff will finalize design options and cost estimates, present them to the board in June, and pursue vendor selection and council approval for equipment purchase. No formal vote was recorded on replacement design in this meeting.