Hyre Park selected for 2027 playground replacement as costs rise for surfacing

Staff told the board Hyre Park is the department’s oldest playground slated for replacement in 2027 and that the project will use a community‑build model with public works preparing the site. “Hyre Park, slated. That’s our oldest playground that hasn't been replaced yet,” staff said when introducing the item.

Members pressed staff on surfacing choices and vendor parts availability; staff said surfacing costs have grown and that the city evaluates alternatives (including synthetic turf, poured‑in‑place surfacing, or reverting to wood chips) while emphasizing maintenance, parts cannibalization and a stepped‑up preventive inspection program to extend service life.