SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a purchase order to Rep Services, Inc., of Longwood, Florida for the purchase and installation of playground equipment at Marymont Park located at 1900 Gilbert Street in the total amount of $258,226.72, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Sections 2.563(1)(c), piggyback, and 2.563(1)(d), Impractical; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The existing playground has served the local community and its visitors for the past 20 years but is now in need of replacement. The materials used in the existing playground are subpar in comparison to materials used in today’s playground building materials standards. Additionally, the existing playgrounds have limited ADA accessibility. The new playgrounds will exceed ADA standards for accessible elevated and ground activities, as well as ground level play structures.
A community meeting was held at Marymont Park on June 17 with over 40 residents in attendance. The purpose of the meeting was to share future plans, answer questions and get the neighborhood input into the type of playground they wanted for this neighborhood park. They chose the piece of equipment being recommended in this agenda item.
The proposed playground equipment offers innovative and sculptural design, fostering an open format playscape with intriguing challenges that rival traditional playgrounds. The materials used in the proposed playground structure are made of recycled plastic materials and are made in the USA. The amenities are attractive, easy to maintain, sustainable, and are anticipated to have a life cycle longer than 20 years, providing savings for the City with reduced maintenance costs and longer lifespan compared to existing playgrounds. The playground will also include a rubberized play surface that meets all safety standards, which will further reduce maintenance compared to wooden chip playground mulch.
The proposed pricing from Rep Services, Inc. is based on their agreements with both the School Board of Manatee County (Contract No. 21-0053-MR, valid through August 31, 2025) and Clay County (Contract No. 2023/2024-284, valid through July 23, 2027). Rep Services has extended an additional discount to the City of Clearwater beyond the pricing established in these contracts, resulting in additional cost savings of $3,802.68.
In accordance with Section 2.563(1)(c) of the City’s Code, authorization is requested to piggyback these contracts for the purchase of playground equipment, including safety surfacing and installation, in the total amount of $236,998.92.
Additionally, in accordance with Section 2.563(1)(d), non-competitive purchase, a total of $21,227.80 is deemed impractical to bid under Proposal No. 21406.09. This amount includes $2,150.00 for engineering services, $11,507.72 for freight, and $7,570.08 for the required performance bond.
Upon City Council approval, the Parks and Recreation Department will proceed with submitting the purchase request to Rep Services, Inc. to secure the proposed pricing.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in capital improvement project M2206 - Parks & Beautification R&R, funded by General Fund revenues.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
Funding the purchase of the new playground equipment aligns with the following City of Clearwater Strategic Plan Objectives:
• 1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
• 1.3: Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
• 1.5: Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement and successfully serves all our customers; and
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
