Agenda Date: 04/22/2025
Subject:
Title
Powers Park Revised Site Plan
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities |
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Heather Ferrari, Executive Assistant Public Works |
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Presentations: |
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities |
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Melissa-Reese Thacker, Planning Manager, South Suburban Parks and Recreation |
PURPOSE:
The City of Littleton, in partnership with South Suburban Parks and Recreation, will be making improvements to Powers Park through the help of an Arapahoe County Open Spaces grant which will provide much-needed updates to the existing park by upgrading the playground area and installing new equipment and amenities, improving accessibility, and reducing maintenance costs.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
The main goal of this project is to provide necessary improvements and updates to the park and playground while increasing ADA access to and throughout the playground area. Several improvements are proposed for the playground that will enhance the space for current and future users of all ages and abilities. The proposed play structures provide improved play value while also increasing accessibility by increasing the number of ground level play elements, installing an inclusive spinner, and providing both high and low sensory elements. The new playground safety surfacing will be poured-in-place rubber, which decreases maintenance costs and provides ADA accessibility throughout the playground area.
BACKGROUND:
Many of the park amenities require replacement due to age and condition. The existing playground was installed in 2001, and the equipment is at the end of its useful life. The manufacturer no longer manufactures parts that fit the current equipment, so if a piece were to break it couldn’t be replaced. Also, the engineered wood fiber (EWF) safety surfacing is difficult to maintain and needs to be replaced.
Prior Actions or Discussions
Powers Park was recently discussed at the April 15, 2025 regular council meeting to request approval of the Arapahoe County Open Spaces grant for the project.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Powers Park Improvements: The total estimated cost of this project is $1,600,000. The grant request will be $600,000 and the match will be $1,000,000 partnering with South Suburban Parks and Recreation.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the partnership with South Suburban Parks and Recreation and Arapahoe County to complete the park improvements.
ALTERNATIVES:
This is for informational purposes only.