Parks commission awards playground surfacing contract at Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo

The Wisconsin Rapids Parks and Recreation Commission voted to award the playground surfacing contract for the Municipal Zoo to the lowest bidder identified in meeting materials, with the motion listing a contract figure of $74,480.

Staff told commissioners that the procurement review showed Perfect Turf Distributing as the lowest bidder in the materials presented to the commission, and that approximately $79,000 remained in the project budget to cover the final surfacing work. Commissioners questioned differences in bidder line items, particularly the scope labeled "restoration," and whether some vendors proposed different surface types that required more demolition or disposal work.

A commissioner asked whether a bidder identified as Forever Long had a different understanding of restoration that would increase costs; staff said the Forever Long proposal leaned toward an artificial‑turf surface that could require more removal and disposal. Staff said they would follow up with the selected contractor about colors and design after legal counsel reviewed the award paperwork.

Chair Dean Beneman made the motion to accept the low bid (the motion text identified the contractor as "Perfect Terms Retreating LLC" for $74,480); a commissioner seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.

The award covers final surfacing for the zoo playground; staff indicated this is the last remaining item in that project budget. The commission did not record a roll‑call vote tally in the transcript; the motion was passed by an affirmative voice vote.

Next steps: staff said they will finalize contract paperwork with counsel, then contact the contractor to settle design details and schedule installation.