|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Vol. 2, No. 4
Tuesday, February 23, 2000
A park play committee meeting will be held on Wednesday evening, March 1, 2000 at 7 PM at the home of Eleanor Ambrosio, 15 North Gate Park. It's across from the Knights of Columbus on the north side of North Gate / South Gate split towards Waltham Street. The house is gray with a screened porch and a red door. There will be a presentation by Mark Gallagher of Little Tikes. This presentation was rescheduled from February 16. The phone number at the meeting place is 964-1353. You are urged to go take a look at Little Tikes play equipment before the meeting and come prepared with questions or comments. If you cannot make the meeting please email them prior to the meeting to WellingtonPark@aol.com. Little Tikes can be found in Waltham at the Gilmore playground, on the right halfway if you were going from the old Mass Hardware to Hanlon Shoes on Moody Street. There is a Little Tikes comparable structure to our proposal at the Forte Playground in Nonantum. The entrance to this play area is just west of the McDonalds on California Street.
A park play committee meeting was held on Tuesday evening, February 22, 2000, 7PM at Lorraine Miller's (377 Waltham Street). In attendance were Lorraine Miller (and Scott the baby-sitter), Eleanor Ambrosio, Jane and Don Quinn, Ellen Andrews, Deedee Antonelli, Jean Patriacca Ted Kuklinski, and our guest, David Loker, representative of Landscape Structures.
Lorraine gave a brief update on that morning's meeting with Myra Tattenbaum concerning the Newton Serves volunteer day on April 9. Among the new possibilities may be planting wildflowers at the park. She or we may look into availability from Newton Pride. There was the question of watering them. We may look into the possibility of getting a hose connection for the water fountain that could be used. David Loker mentioned Murdoch fountains which he also represents.
Ted gave a brief fundraising update. NCSC had received four checks recently since the campaign started in earnest last week. Please get your checks in soon if you can, so we will have a better idea of spending limits for the play structure. There were some volunteers to assist Nancy in distributing the business fundraising letter. Eleanor will draft a thank you letter and Ted will look into the requirements for tax purpose acknowledgment.
The main focus of the evening was the presentation by David Loker. David (of O'Brien & Sons (www.meobrienandsons.com in Medfield) is the local representative for Landscape Structures (www.playlsi.com in Delano, Minnesota). He lives nearby in Needham and we thank him for coming out to talk with the committee. He had previously given some information to Lorraine and Eleanor. Mr. Loker brought some samples of the various play structure components and several catalogs for reference. He had previously put together a proposal for our park (see our website) in the $12K range.
If we can fundraise sufficiently, we may be able to do something with the swings as well as the play structure. Initially, our discussions focused on the question of swing sets. There were two main possibilities. One alternative is to retain our existing swing structure (converting it to two strap swings) and adding an additional smaller swing containing two bucket swings (projected structure cost about $1050). The other alternative would be to demolish the current swing set and replace it with a new structure containing four swings, two strap and two bucket ($1600). If we went with just buckets, we could do a single post or upside down U ends with an 8 foot height. David Loker pointed out that an important consideration for swing placement is that children don't run through the swing area to get to the play structure. The clear area required surrounding the swings depends on the swing height. Can we get 2 strap swings and 2 bucket sings in the same area as we have now?
There are several options in the chain used for swings. The city has a big supply of standard galvanized chain, the least expensive option. Mr. Loker showed a form of chain with "tender tuff" coating, which has no pinch points, somewhat more expensive. He also showed their latest technology called "cable core", more like a rubbery grooved cylinder.
The pricing of a 4 belt swing set varies with chain type: e.g. $1233 for galvanized chain, $1501 for Tender Tuff, $1525 for cable core. These prices include shipping from Minnesota (value about $150) which they would throw in. A price for a 2 belt / 2 bucket configuration might be $1600 delivered. There would be a 43 foot long safety zone. 16 feet would be required in the direction of swing. The total safety zone for the 4 swing choice would be 44.5 x 40 feet. The Landscape Structures warranty was recently changed to 15 years. A two bucket system would be about $1050. It would have a 23 x 28 foot safety zone.
The question was raised whether the city would do demolition on the old swingset if we did the four swing replacement. Our current swings are by Landscape and it seemed that we could use the two swings that we had, to offset at least the cost of a strap and a bucket swing in a new set. Mr. Loker suggested that we retain the old swings as spares instead (rather than save the expense?).
In Newton playgrounds, the city prefers the use of engineered wood fiber (sometimes called Fibar - actually a particular brand name). This is preferred versus the use of other surfaces such as sand. The requirement for wood fiber is a depth of 16 inches (compressed to 12 inches).
According to David Loker, the city contracts for a large supply of wood fiber by a bidding process. There are a variety of brands, some more expensive than others. The Fibar brand itself may be more expensive due to advertising costs. Landscape Structures has a wood fiber product called Wood Carpet which undergoes a special sieve test and is priced less than Fibar. Wood Fiber may have to be somewhat replenished each year and the city does that on a maintenance basis from its supply (we should check on this). For an area such as that required by a four swing swingset, about 90 cubic yards would be required at a cost of about $1485.
For high foot wear areas on the playground, such as directly under swings, it may be a good idea to put rubber wear mats to avoid a gully buildup. Landscape Structures makes a 3x4 foot wear mat made from two inch thick recycled rubber. They sell for $130 apiece and are put down directly on top of the wood fiber. Only two may be required (for the strap swings) in our setup ($260 cost). They weigh about 80-100 pounds apiece and there is a slight danger that they could be stolen. Other alternatives were two foot square tiles adhered to a concrete base. There is also a 4x4 foot pad that is only one inch thick ($120 each). For the play structure, it was noted that the cost of the wood fiber surface was included in their proposal.
The Landscape Structures at Hawthorn (Nonantum), Richardson (Zervas area), and Cabot are all raised surfaces. According to David Loker, this method saves the cost of excavating and removing the excavated material, and avoids drainage issues. Going above ground also saves digging 12 of the 34 inches required for surrounding the support posts. A hole only 20-24 inches need be dug in the ground. Concrete is poured around the posts. We pick up the additional 12 inches around the posts when the wood fiber is spread as the last construction step. Gravel is usually put at the base of the posts for drainage. There is usually a plastic cap with drainage holes also on the bottom of the posts. He related that the City of Newton prefers the raised method of play area construction. With a raised method, two courses of 6x6 timbers (8 feet long) are used in an overlapping fashion to contain the wood fiber. Two courses would also be used around the edges, if the area were excavated instead. Mr. Loker suggested that with the raised method, we could berm a slope around the area with loam and seed perhaps 6-10 feet out.
Lorraine noted that Home Depot would be selling next month (in season) 7 foot 6x6 pressure treated timbers for $10 apiece. We could come up with a possible timber price based on the area enclosed by the timbers. We would also need to purchase Rebar (metal rods) and drill the timbers. The timbers are overlapped and the bars go into the ground and hold the timbers secure.
We do need to have access to the wheelchair transfer point on the structure. We need a 5 foot width for the access. A slope of 1 in 20 would be required to get up to the raised section. Accessibility could be on rubber or even the wood fiber which is considered wheel chair accessible.
There was some discussion and difference of opinion on whether we will need a fence around the play structure. It may be possible to attach such a fence to the timbers if done as a raised structure. We would avoid the small gap that is annoying at the Webster Common playground.
Unless we can come up with the resources from our membership or get the city to help, we may have expend money for a contractor to do some of the prep work. Mr. Loker mentioned Tom Forte as a contractor, who he has worked with on 75 playgrounds per year. He might be considered for the drilling, the concrete, and other steps. Jane Quinn may contact him to get some idea of costs for our playground. A figure of $1000 for just drilling and layout was suggested by Mr. Loker but things could vary a lot depending on what we had done.
Our play site would require 16 holes as currently proposed. The holes could be dug with a shovel, a post hole digger, a bobcat with auger, etc. It could be done by volunteers or by contractor. Within the week ahead of the build day, the holes are laid out and dug, plates set and leveled, and other prep work completed. On the build day, we assemble under company supervision. First the posts are put in and then connected with platforms, etc. On the afternoon of the build day, after assembly, concrete is poured around the posts. This step could be done by us or contracted. Mr. Loker mentioned a company called Concrete Express. The concrete needs to set. The wood edge framing is placed at some point and then the wood fiber is spread to a depth of 16 inches over the play area. The structure may need to roped off until the concrete sets. Any overnight camping volunteers to guard the structure? It could be open for play the next day.
It was asked why by Ellen Andrews why there were so many Landscape playgrounds in Newton. Mr. Loker suggested looking at the quality of the various playgrounds and compare. Go look at other playgrounds and the details and construction. They use solid panels (recycled plastic ¾ inch thick) instead of hollow panels. He claimed they resist graffiti much better. He claimed 409 would clean off graffiti. They use stainless steel hardware, special wrenches, posts made from recycled aluminum. Special note was made of the deck holes (3/8") which fingers can't poke through and get hurt. Decks and rails were vinyl coated, not painted (which is cheaper). He claimed they were no maintenance and vandal resistant. Vandals could perhaps cut away the vinyl with a pocket knife but it would have to be deliberate and they do have a 15 year guarantee now. Company has been around 72 years. His company (O'Brien) is in Medfield and he lives in Needham.
Mr. Loker was asked to give us a tour of the play components in our structure. In the 2-5 year structures, the highest platform is 48 inches above ground. Starting at the left (please refer to the website drawings) he took us through a brief description of each of the pieces. First there is a transfer platform. It goes up in steps to 16 inches, 24, 32, and to 40 inches. There is a double wide poly slide. At the back is a step ladder. Connecting to the right is a flexible belt bridge, which has good play value for 2-3 year olds. It is 42 inches long. There is a 40 inch platform. From there to the front is a tunnel slide with a 30 inch opening. This could have an optional view panel but this would add to the cost.
On the platform is also a driver panel with a red vinyl wheel. It was suggested that perhaps this could be replaced with a pilot panel which would have two steering wheels to avoid kid competition. Below the platform is a store panel (a window that acts as a play store counter). It was thought that perhaps there should be some seat for the "storekeeper". On the back side currently there is a sound chime panel. There was some concern that this could make too much noise and be annoying to neighbors. Mr. Loker noted that they have a new periscope panel that might be of interest to us. Underneath is also a slant entrance panel at grade level. On the backside is a block climber - the blocks are vinyl dipped.
The structure overall has a 28 x 31 foot safety zone. Ellen was concerned that it might be too close to the fence. But it was concluded that such a structure could fit comfortably within the allotted area between the gate and the benches.
Deedee was concerned that there was no upper body component in our structure. He said that normally in a 2-5 structure there was not upper body. However he suggested that a small chinning bar could be added for minimal cost. In the "Play Shaper" line we are considering, this would be inexpensive to add.
The current overall pricing for the play structure (as currently configured) was $11058 for the structure and $1K for the wood carpet. Mr. Loker agreed to hold to last year's December prices, despite the fact that they were now on a new price schedule. Other vendors had agreed to hold prices through 2000.
There was a question as to what it might cost to add a double panel and chinning bar - perhaps $500. He claimed that he could not readily provide a cost breakdown by components. That would be helpful as we consider adding or subtracting components. While he had more or less committed to providing the supervision cost (as had been promised by the other vendors) in earlier conversations with Lorraine, at the meeting he was somewhat evasive at the question. He suggested that we fund raise until fall to get sufficient funds to afford the structure we want. He thought that if we did the concrete, the hold digging and prep could be done under $1K. There is also the question of what the city would be willing to do to help with the prep work.
There are two ways in which we can approach the play structure financing. In our current scenario, the city retains the play structure funds. Under this approach, they have to put our proposal out to bid. In such a scenario, it may be that Landscape Structures would not be a low bidder. This process may also take a long time and could result in our build date being put off to the Fall. Another possible scenario would be for the city to give our organization control of the money. This may now be feasible since we possibly could have NCSC hold the money for us (as they probably did for Davis Playground). Then, there is not the need to go out to bid and our play committee can freely select the vendor that we like the best. We pay the vendor directly from our controlled funds. We need to investigate whether this option is still possible with the city. We need to have a mechanism to add our fundraising efforts into the $12,500 city grant. Either way, it looks like we could add components incrementally to the structure from our fundraising. Send in those checks now!
Please get on our email list. You will receive the news directly by email. It is the fastest and easiest way for our organization to keep in touch. Just send an email to WellingtonPark@aol.com or call (617) 969-6222 and leave a message. And of course, check out our web site http://wellingtonpark.8m.com. If you are not wired, just read our high tech cork bulletin board at the park. You are most welcome to submit items for publication here (childhood remembrances about the park, opinions, yard sale notices, etc.) by email or regular mail (Wellington Park News, c/o Ted Kuklinski, 24 Henshaw Terrace, West Newton, MA 02465).