Oak Harbor park staff present $271,250 estimate for accessible playground; site, parking and restrooms remain unresolved

Oak Harbor park staff presented a vendor estimate for an accessible playground that would cost $271,250 for equipment, surfacing and freight, not including site preparation. The quote—shared by staff from a firm represented in the meeting—listed $163,074 for equipment, $25,000 for safety surfacing and $8,200 for freight.

Board members discussed possible locations, including Mill Park and the waterfront, and emphasized that an accessible playground often draws families from outside the city and therefore needs sufficient handicapped parking, restroom access and space for support infrastructure. "The total estimate for playground cost is $271,250," staff said, adding that site work and preparation would be an additional expense.

Members recommended that the project planning include parking analysis and restroom placement. One member said Mill Park could accommodate the playground plus parking and restrooms; others raised concerns about cramped sites in residential areas and urged the staff to prioritize sites that would let visitors access other waterfront attractions. Staff said the RFP and subsequent design phase should provide refined siting and cost options.

Next steps: staff will use the quote as a starting point for subcommittee review, refine site-specific estimates (including site preparation) and schedule community input sessions with designers.