Replacement of the Bear Park play structure and surrounding surface area was identified and approved in the 2018 Capital Improvements Plan, with a budgeted amount of $65,000 in 2019.
Staff has documented a number of concerns with the structure, including coatings that are peeling off and poor condition of several play features. While some of the existing equipment is in good shape (and can remain in the playground area), a majority of the existing equipment, surface, and border is scheduled to be removed and replaced during the summer of 2019.
Replacement of the play structure was discussed by Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission on January 28, 2019. Staff solicited multiple companies who produce playground equipment, but ultimately decided Minnesota-Wisconsin Playground, a local supplier that has provided equipment in many of our other parks, was the best choice. Due to the confined footprint of the Bear Park playground area, there are limited options as far as replacement structures. Staff has worked with the vendor to optimize the space and ultimately gained approval from the Parks and Trails Commission.
We are now reaching out to neighbors for their input! Below you will find find images of the proposed design/layout, including the play structure that will remain. You can also find images of these items on our Facebook page.
Please contact Assistant City Administrator – Tim Sandvik at 651-204-6013 or tim.sandvik@cityvadnaisheights.com with your input. You can also leave comments on the city’s social media posts.
Please provide your feedback no later than Thursday, February 14.
Playground Image (PDF) - north structure is the portion of the old play structure that will remain
Playground Layout (PDF)