Chris Burke, Chairperson
Dr. Pat Curtin
MaryAnn Curtin
James Shea
Laura Swanson
The Park and Recreation Commission held a meeting on Tuesday March 3, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. at the Park, Recreation and Community Center located on Broad Street.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: ABSENT:
Dr. Pat Curtin James Shea
Chris Burke
MaryAnn Curtin
Laura Swanson
SUBJECT:
Forest River Playground
O’Brien & Sons – Andrew Berger, CPSI
Showed a layout with natural colors – maroon, green, beige, with a splash of red.
Space net climber – physically challenges 5 – 12 year old children
Has openness and is a fun creative space, have slides, ladders, climbing overhead ladders, disk challenges, and rock climbing.
Has a wheelchair accessible module
Tower is 8 feet high has panels that mimic a lighthouse, with look out windows.
2 high slides with a curvy movement, which was a big request
2nd proposal was very similar but had a double slide and a couple different activities; Laura Swanson would like to look into a rolling slide instead of a double slide more accessible for handicap children.
The climbing space net is called 30/30 it is 32 feet by 32 feet, height of central post is 12 feet, the netting is made of cable and has been in the industry for 25 years.
Wood fiber flooring will be installed, no chemicals.
Mr. Berger said this is $62,000.00 worth of equipment for $55,000.00
The Friends of Forest River Park like this proposal, they like the height, Laura Swanson asked if the space net comes in a different color than red.
This playground meets with ADA qualifications.
Fred Martin – in business since 1974
Natural structures- he does a lot of private schools
Sky Ship – Dream tower series – incredibly sturdy
Volunteer set up would cost $56,000.00
His team set up would cost $58, 400.00
This could be a weekend project with at least 40 volunteers. Trek composite is used for this playground.
Chris Burke asked if the borders are needed for this playground, Mr. Martin explained depends of the grade of the ground, he doesn’t know till he looks at it. The tower is 8 feet tall, has curvy slides, plenty of room for group play.
Mr. Martin is the sole source of this company and project. He is booking projects now for June and July. He can get equipment is 6 weeks. He can also revamp the toddler area for a couple thousand.
He uses pressure treated wood and trek composite.
He is fully insured and a certified safety instructor.
The friends of Forest River like the ship idea, it’s very different.
Laura Swanson said she is having a hard time visualizing this playground. Laura wants to know how much maintenance will there be to a wood playground? Tom O’Shea asked Doug Bollen to not get a wood structure.
Dibble and Sons; Steve Dibble presented
He is a certified playground safety instructor, as is all of his staff.
His warranty is rock solid. This is a very tall playground; the group asked him for height.
Laura asked if the slide has to be enclosed, or if it could be an open slide. He said it is too high to have an open slide, too dangerous. Anything above 8 feet must be enclosed, for safety precautions. He said his plan is handicap accessible, and that does not mean wheel chair accessible. The top deck of this plan is 17 feet tall. You can see the pool, the ocean, and the whole park. At the bottom there are plenty of areas for fun play, good visibility through out this plan
This plan also includes:
One giant net 31 square feet.
3 solo spinners to be placed in a triangle for interaction, for 2 –12 year old children
One stand and spin.
Monkey bars
This structure is $56,000.00 with his discount it would be $32,000.00 at this point, he said his discount % is going down.
He will need 40 volunteers but more are very welcome.
He has done 20 projects in Salem.
This structure is not in the New England area yet.
Chris Burke asked about the infinity web, size is 38’ X 28’ and the Net is 31’ X 21’.
Laura Swanson thinks that 17 feet is too high for a playground, and doesn’t like the idea of the closed slides, this is not what she is looking for.
Chris Burke likes the height, he thinks it would be great for the kids, he likes the ideas with the telescope, benches, climbing walls, etc. Maybe there can be a compromise between the two designs.
The Commission discussed all three presentations with the Friends of Forest River Park to get their feedback.
The Mayor wants this to go out for bid. The Commission said in an RFP you do not have to lock into the lowest bidder, you choose who fits best.
MaryAnn Curtin made a motion to put out an RFP according to O’Briens specifications, #673-11 design. This RFP must include a rolling slide, they must leave and upgrade the tire swing and add a handicap bucket swing. All plans must respect the natural landscape with muted colors to go along with the nature of the park. Laura Swanson seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays Absent
MaryAnn Curtin James Shea
Chris Burke
Dr. Pat Curtin
Laura Swanson
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Park and Recreation Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday March 24, 2009, at the Park and Recreation Community Center located on Broad Street.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Park and Recreation Commission Mary Ann Curtin made a motion to adjourn. Pat Curtin seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays Absent
MaryAnn Curtin James Shea
Chris Burke
Dr. Pat Curtin
Laura Swanson
Colleen A. Thibodeau
Clerk
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