Council OKs Funds to Repair Park Equipment

The Olney City Council voted last week to allocate up to $14,666.42 to repair broken playground equipment at Tommy Perkins Park, with the goal of having the work completed in time for the city’s annual Fourth of July parade and festivities.

During the March 24 council meeting, members discussed the need to replace worn or damaged playground features, including a slide and rock-climbing handholds, and debated whether to hire an outside vendor or use city staff to install the new equipment.

City Administrator Simon Dwyer presented two options to the council: spend the full $14,666.42 to purchase and have the equipment professionally installed, or authorize $4,560.42 to cover the cost of materials only, allowing the Public Works Department to handle the installation.

Mr. Dwyer said the majority of the damaged equipment is no longer in production, and replacement parts will need to be custom ordered. He added that if the city staff installs the equipment, it could result in substantial cost savings, although it might affect warranty coverage on the new pieces.

“We’ve got the area taped off right now because it’s not safe,” he told the council. “If we don’t fix it, we can’t just leave it blocked off indefinitely.”

Council members weighed the potential liability and warranty implications of doing the work in-house but ultimately approved a motion allowing for either option. The motion also authorized Mr. Dwyer to proceed with the best available deal and ensure that the repairs are finished before the Fourth of July holiday, when the park typically hosts large crowds for the city’s parade and celebration.