Subject:
Title
Update on Kids Castle Construction
Body
Presented By: Brian Mancini, Larry Propst
Recommendation and Review
After a joyful farewell event to the old Kids Castle, construction is now underway on the new playground, which incorporates extensive community input that was received through the design process. Costs for the new Kids Castle are projected to exceed the budgeted funds. The budget was based on an initial cost estimate developed during the ARPA community engagement and budgeting process in 2022. In particular, the cost of the playground equipment and installation has substantially increased. As a result, staff have worked with the contractor, Harman Construction, to minimize these increases without compromising the playground design. City staff has identified alternative funding outside of the designated American Rescue Plan Act funding to fill the gap. Before proceeding with presenting a reallocation request to City Council, City staff wanted to make City Council aware of the projected budget overage, the reason, and seek confirmation that City Council desires for alternative funding to be dedicated to this project.