Title
Resolution - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Mansfield, Texas, Approving the Use of the Buy Board Purchasing Avenue to Order the Long Lead Time Playground Equipment as Presented Through Whirlix Design Inc. and Landscape Structures Inc. in the Amount Not to Exceed $3,000,000 for the Equipment, Delivery and Installation Related to the Phase 1B Improvements at Katherine Rose Memorial Park
Requested Action
Approve the purchase of the playground equipment for the phase 1B improvements.
Recommendation
Approve the purchase of the playground equipment for the phase 1B improvements.
Description/History
Katherine Rose Memorial Park, a former pecan orchard named after the wife of the previous land owner, is a 31.29-acre park located at the intersection of Walnut Creek Drive and Smith Street. The park land was purchased in 1992 by the Mansfield Park Facilities Development Corporation (MPFDC) with proceeds from the half cent sales tax. The park was then developed and opened in 1996, in part with grant funding from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Amenities installed over the course of the park’s history have consisted of a children’s playground, picnic pavilions with tables and grills, one large event pavilion with tables and grills, uncovered picnic tables with grills, lighted basketball courts, lighted volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, restroom facilities, circulating trail with exercise stations, a fishing/drainage pond, vehicular access and parking areas, and park equipment such as benches and trash cans.
The master plan was created and produced by Parkhill, Inc. in 2022-23. It has laid out the future development of these parks, addressing needed infrastructure and recreational amenities within the combined 40.72-acre area of parkland. Parkhill provided services in an amount of $76,500, and performed a site opportunities evaluation, facilitated community input, and prepared the master development plan. From this plan, the direction and location of Phase 1A and 1B improvements was determined. The plans included a new inclusive playground, pavilion and restroom facilities, along with realigned pedestrian, vehicular accesses and parking areas, while maintaining the essence of the original park setting. Phase 1A (the roadway parking realignment) is almost complete. Phase 1B, which includes the inclusive playground, restroom and site development portion is now complete and ready to move forward to design development and construction documents upon approval with the playground equipment selected.
After review, numerous discussions, site visits and reviews with Parkhill, Whirlix and Landscape Structures representatives, staff is recommending using Landscape Structures Inc equipment and others for the playground with the inclusion of a new singular piece that is the first in the nation as a playable art piece that represents the park in a truly unique manner. The playground has been designed as truly inclusive for residents and visitors of all ages and exemplifies the “remarkable” experience Mansfield parks provide. Once the equipment order is placed through Buy Board, the time frame for delivery and installation is approximately 8 to 12 months. Other construction bids will be taken for the remainder of the 1B site development which will include the site development, pavilions, walks, restroom facility, and subsequent demo of the existing facilities.
Justification
Existing parks often require updating and renovation due to increased use, flooding events, and for added safety. A master plan of Katherine Rose Memorial Park and Hardy Allmon Soccer Complex was finalized and approved in February 2023. The approval of the 1B plan and ordering of the equipment is the next step in the redevelopment/renovation of the park.
Funding Source
ARPA
Prepared By
James Fish, PLA, ASLA
Parks Planning Manager
james.fish@mansfieldtexas.gov
817.728.3394