Woodruff to use $25,000 grant for playground; board to request detailed bids and local installation options

The Woodruff Town Board reviewed a $25,000 grant to add playground equipment and considered two vendor bids: a $25,440 quote that covers the play structure and wood-fiber surfacing, and a higher $38,090 bid that includes grading, installation and a concrete curb around the play area. "This quote includes a truck that has a pump and blows [wood fiber] into the play area within the border," the clerk reported, and the board recorded a vendor statement that 12 inches of wood fiber is required for safety compliance.

Board members discussed placement constraints — including an existing water meter and PVC pipe in the preferred location — and whether to replace sand with a weed barrier and a longer-lasting surface. Several members proposed using local contractors and volunteers for grading, curbing or other preparatory work to stretch grant funds. The board also discussed warranty implications if the town handles some installation tasks; the vendor told the board he would "walk us through it" and that doing some local work would not void warranty.

Next steps: the board asked the clerk to request detailed, itemized bids specifying whether the vendor’s price includes grading, installation and the 12-inch wood-fiber surfacing, and to solicit local quotes for curbing and site prep. The town plans to revisit the proposals at the next regular meeting and consider a public bid for any contractable work.