Council approves handrail, retaining wall at playground
By Lynn Zerschling Journal staff writer | Posted: Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Children using the handicapped-accessible playground in Leif Erikson Park will have a handrail to hang on to, following City Council action Monday.
The council approved a $17,000 contract with Frank Audino Construction Co., Sioux City, to construct the hand rail and build a retaining wall for the Boundless Playground. The playground is designed to be a place where children with disabilities can play with their friends, siblings and classmates. Audino is the general contractor on the project.
Backers raised $180,000 in private funds for the playground. The city agreed to prepare the site, assist with equipment installation and remodel the restrooms.
Terry Hoffman, parks and recreation manager, said the site at Leif Erikson presented construction difficulties because of the topography, trees and restrooms. He said the Americans with Disabilities Act standards have prompted the addition of the retaining walls and handrails that were not part of the original design.
The retaining wall will cost $13,113, while the handrail will cost $2,500. The remaining $1,387 will cover what he called "incidentals."
He said Audino Construction has "modified the design as much as possible to reduce the retaining wall costs without affecting the certification" by the ADA.
Councilmen asked where the city would get the $17,000 in its capital improvements budget. Hoffman said he will transfer $10,000 to the project instead of buying $10,000 worth of picnic tables for city parks. The rest of the money will come from the Leisure Services matching grant program.
"It is a unique project," he said.
Mayor Craig Berenstein asked, "Did you look for other sources of funding?"
Hoffman answered, "A $180,000 came from outside sources."
Councilman Jason Geary pointed out, "We have construction companies stepping up to help with construction of this playground instead of having city crews do it."
Hoffman said the playground's sponsor, Opportunities Unlimited, applied for and received $5,000 from the Christopher Reed Foundation, adding, "so they really did reach out."
The project in Leif Erikson, at 1100 31st St., will be the first of its kind in Iowa. Opportunities Unlimited provides rehabilitation and therapeutic services for people with brain injuries and physical disabilities.
The goal is to have the playground open by Labor Day.
The council approved a $17,000 contract with Frank Audino Construction Co., Sioux City, to construct the hand rail and build a retaining wall for the Boundless Playground. The playground is designed to be a place where children with disabilities can play with their friends, siblings and classmates. Audino is the general contractor on the project.
Backers raised $180,000 in private funds for the playground. The city agreed to prepare the site, assist with equipment installation and remodel the restrooms.
Terry Hoffman, parks and recreation manager, said the site at Leif Erikson presented construction difficulties because of the topography, trees and restrooms. He said the Americans with Disabilities Act standards have prompted the addition of the retaining walls and handrails that were not part of the original design.
The retaining wall will cost $13,113, while the handrail will cost $2,500. The remaining $1,387 will cover what he called "incidentals."
He said Audino Construction has "modified the design as much as possible to reduce the retaining wall costs without affecting the certification" by the ADA.
Councilmen asked where the city would get the $17,000 in its capital improvements budget. Hoffman said he will transfer $10,000 to the project instead of buying $10,000 worth of picnic tables for city parks. The rest of the money will come from the Leisure Services matching grant program.
"It is a unique project," he said.
Mayor Craig Berenstein asked, "Did you look for other sources of funding?"
Hoffman answered, "A $180,000 came from outside sources."
Councilman Jason Geary pointed out, "We have construction companies stepping up to help with construction of this playground instead of having city crews do it."
Hoffman said the playground's sponsor, Opportunities Unlimited, applied for and received $5,000 from the Christopher Reed Foundation, adding, "so they really did reach out."
The project in Leif Erikson, at 1100 31st St., will be the first of its kind in Iowa. Opportunities Unlimited provides rehabilitation and therapeutic services for people with brain injuries and physical disabilities.
The goal is to have the playground open by Labor Day.
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