Those who enjoy taking their children or grandchildren to Sunset Park will soon see something new. The Sedona City Council approved a contract on Tuesday, Aug. 13, for improvements to the park including the surface around the playground area.
After going through the request for bids process — two were submitted to the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department — the contract was awarded by council to Dave Bang Associates Inc. to provide six benches and new playground surfacing for both playgrounds at Sunset Park for $203,500. Site prep and demo of the existing border will be done in-house for an $18,300 cost savings to the city, a report states.
This project was initially for the resurfacing of playgrounds at Sunset Park. During the budget process, council expressed the desire to “get the park done,” which included the addition of benches and trees. The project comes in at $18,500 above the original budgeted amount. The amount exceeding the project budget will be reallocated from other projects that experience delays once it is determined which projects will not proceed as budgeted for Fiscal Year 2020. This project is set to begin the end of September.
Council did not discuss the matter as it was listed as a consent item. But the following day, Parks and Recreation Manager Rachel Murdoch said the park is in need of a face-lift.
“The work is needed to complete the upgrades to Sunset Park that help to make this the best park in our city,” she said. “With shaded playgrounds and a splash pad, visitors and locals frequent this park.”
With the increase to the budget, the project will be completed in full. It includes:
- Four new trees, which are already planted
- Removal of existing border and wood chips
- Reinstalling an existing play feature
- New concrete curbing
- New rubberized surfacing
- Six new benches installed
“The wood chips [currently used] get pushed around — under swings, below slides, and around spinning toys,” Murdoch said. “They need to be replaced or replenished annually. They are a chore for sure. While technically considered [Americans With Disabilities Act]-compliant, they are not user-friendly and they are not inclusive in nature. Picture trying to push a stroller across wood chips. Not friendly. This new surface will be cleaner, safer, more attractive and easier to maintain.
Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com
