SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a purchase order to Rep Services, Inc., of Longwood, Florida for the purchase and installation of playground equipment at Montclair Park located at 1821 Montclair Road in the total amount of $192,509.44 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 substandard when compared to current playground construction standards. Additionally, the existing playground provides limited ADA accessibility. The new playground will meet enhanced ADA standards by offering accessible elevated and ground-level play activities, including ground-level play structures.
The proposed playground equipment features an innovative design that fosters an open format playscape with engaging challenges comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, traditional playgrounds. The materials used in the proposed playground structure consist of recycled plastic and coated galvanized steel, providing corrosion resistance and UV stability. All materials are manufactured in the United States. The amenities are attractive, easy to maintain, sustainable, and anticipated to have a life cycle exceeding 20 years, resulting in long-term savings to the City through reduced maintenance costs and extended service life compared to the existing playground. The playground will also include a rubberized play surface that meets all applicable safety standards and will further reduce maintenance requirements when compared to traditional wooden mulch surfacing.
The proposed pricing from Rep Services, Inc. is based on its agreement with the School Board of Manatee County under Contract No. 26-0041-MR. Rep Services, Inc. was selected as one of the awarded vendors for the replacement of park and playground equipment under this contract, which was approved by the Manatee County School District on September 1, 2025, and expires on August 31, 2030. Rep Services, Inc. has offered the City of Clearwater an additional 2% discount on the playground equipment and a 5% discount on the rubberized surfacing, resulting in additional savings of $4,521.02.
In accordance with Section 2.563(1)(c), staff is requesting authorization to piggyback the School Board of Manatee County’s Contract No. 26-0041-MR for playground equipment and installation in the amount of $173,043.94. This amount includes $58,524.75 for playground equipment, $62,489.41 for rubber poured-in-place surfacing, and $52,029.78 for installation.
Additionally, pursuant to Section 2.563(1)(d), non-competitive purchase, a total amount of $19,465.50 under Proposal No. 22090.06 is considered impractical to bid. This amount includes $3,400.00 for engineering services, $10,327.50 for freight, and $5,738.00 for the required bond.
Upon 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:
Funding is available in capital improvement project M2206, Parks & Beautification R&R, for costs associated with the playground ($127,252.53) and project C2406, Pour-in-Place Playground Surfacing, for costs associated with installation of poured in place safety surfacing ($65,256.91). These Parks and Recreation capital projects are funded by revenues from the General Fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
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.
