Keene Type B board approves playground package and orders compound swing

The Keene Type B board voted unanimously to move forward with a playground package for Roswell Park that includes a compound, inclusive swing, fencing, a picnic table and a three-piece trash receptacle.

At the meeting, the presenter (speaker 2) reviewed three vendor proposals for swings and recommended a compound/nest swing design that can accommodate up to seven children, including accessible seating for children with disabilities. The presenter said the recommended package (including fencing and other site items) came in at $49,346.90, which staff described as "just barely below the $50,000 mark." After a motion to proceed by a board member (speaker 9) and a second, the board approved the purchase unanimously.

The presenter also reviewed other line items and options: two solar lights quoted for $15,199 (for two units) and a three-piece trash receptacle, including shipping, quoted at $1,461.90. Vendor quotes for the swing equipment were PlayWorld at $9,826.88 (a three-child swing with rubber mulch surfacing), Leah Park at $14,697 (a four-swing configuration), and KOMPAN at $11,891 (a custom compound/nest swing with safety surfacing).

Staff clarified the approved package does not include sidewalk work. Earlier in the meeting, staff presented separate sidewalk quotes (from Don's research) of $12,000 for a sidewalk along 4th Street, $8,000 for a short driveway-to-corner segment, and $7,000 from the park edge to parking — a total of about $27,000 — and said sidewalks may be funded from other earmarked or grant sources. Staff also noted the board has about $7,500 in the current budget for engineering and that drainage/topography engineering to address flooding could cost approximately $3,000–$4,000.

On safety and installation, the presenter confirmed the recommended equipment meets applicable playground safety requirements; Public Works is expected to handle installation as it did at Alyssa Carver Park.

The board also discussed future theming opportunities for the park (including a dinosaur theme tied to local museum assets) and outreach to Southwestern University for possible sponsorship or participation in creative elements.

Next steps: staff was directed to order the approved equipment and fencing and to continue work on engineering and funding options for sidewalks and drainage. The board recorded the motion and vote on the public record and closed the public portion of the item.