Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Purchase and Installation of Playground Equipment from Landscape Structures Inc. for Leydecker Park Playground Replacement in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $270,947.37. (Recreation 10051400)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Leydecker Park playground, built in 1991, has reached the end of its useful life, and ongoing repairs are increasingly costly and impractical. The Recreation and Parks Commission (RPC) recommended replacing the Leydecker Park playground with the Landscape Structures Inc. playground design following a community input process. This includes full replacement of the playground designed for ages 5 - 12.
BACKGROUND
The Leydecker Park playground was originally slated to be replaced in 2027 as part of the Annual Playground Replacement program which prioritizes sites based on age, condition, safety, and maintenance needs. The project was moved ahead of the planned Krusi Park playground replacement due to the safety condition of the Leydecker Park equipment and the upcoming redevelopment of Otis Elementary School, which will include a playground open to the public outside of school hours. The timing allows the City of Alameda (City) to further evaluate long-term recreational needs at Krusi Park before proceeding with improvements at that location.
The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) conducted two separate surveys to gather community input. The initial survey was open from May 14, 2025, through June 10, 2025, and the final survey was open from September 10, 2025 through September 19, 2025. Over 1,200 survey responses were received. Outreach was conducted via email blast, City website, and onsite signage with QR codes at Bay Farm Island Library, ARPD office as well as Leydecker, Tillman, Godfrey, Lincoln, Krusi Parks. The input was compiled and incorporated into the final design recommendation.
On November 13, 2025, the RPC unanimously voted to recommend the playground design to the City Council.
DISCUSSION
Staff solicited design submissions from four playground companies, and each submitted two or more designs with nautical/island themes. Staff compiled the community feedback and there was a clear design preference for the Landscape Structures design, included as Exhibit 2. The design was also reviewed by park maintenance and recreation program staff for design flow and ongoing maintenance requirements.
This playground will have a mix of engineered wood fiber and poured in place rubberized surfacing. This approach will focus rubberized surfacing in high wear areas and provide Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility. Engineered wood fiber, which is a lower cost surfacing that also meets ADA requirements, will be used throughout the remaining area, which is more cost effective.
The playground includes components designed for all ages. For children ages 5-12, it features vertical and overhead climbers, two slides, interactive panels, spinning components, and a mix of two traditional swings and one toddler swing. Built for older children, it offers higher platforms and more challenging elements, including faster slides and dynamic motion equipment, fostering strength, coordination, and creativity. The playground also offers components designed for children under age 5, such as a toddler swing and several sensory and interactive play panels.
The combined total project budget is $270,947.37. The project scope includes replacing the playground structure and improving accessibility, as detailed in the Construction Agreement with Landscape Structures Inc. in Exhibit 1. The playground will feature modern and traditional design with a nautical island theme.
This action is to purchase and install the playground through Sourcewell Contract # 101625-LSI. Sourcewell contracting refers to a type of cooperative purchasing where a public agency (like a city, county, or school district) can buy goods and services through contracts that have already been competitively solicited and awarded by Sourcewell, a national public procurement organization. In accordance with City Administrative Instruction No. 5 (Purchasing Policy), purchases may be made through cooperative purchasing, piggybacking, or sole source procurement when justified. Given that the extensive community input was based on specific playground designs with the Landscape Structures, Inc. design being ranked highest and recommended by the RPC, staff recommends purchase and installation of the Landscape Structures, Inc. playground for Leydecker park through cooperative purchasing.
Once the purchase is approved, it takes 8-12 weeks to receive equipment and coordinate installation. The playground is anticipated to open in Fall 2026.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve purchase and installation of the Landscape Structure playground equipment for Leydecker Park.
• Direct staff to revise and/or modify the playground design.
• Direct staff to defer replacement of the existing play structure and continue routine maintenance in the near term. Deferred replacement may lead to closure of the playground due to increasing safety concerns and ability to procure replacement parts.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Existing funds are available for this project in the Playground Replacement Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget (C52000).
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code. This action is subject to the Levine Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Repair, maintenance and/or minor alteration of an existing facility).
CLIMATE IMPACT
The proposed action has been reviewed for potential climate impacts. Implementation of this item is not expected to result in a measurable increase in greenhouse gas emissions or energy consumption.
To the extent applicable, the proposal is consistent with the City’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, as it does not conflict with adopted greenhouse gas reduction targets or sustainability policies. No adverse climate impacts have been identified.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the purchase and installation of playground equipment from Landscape Structures Inc. for the Leydecker Park Playground Replacement Project in an amount not to exceed $270,947.37.
Respectfully submitted,
Justin Long, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Landscape Structures Construction Agreement
2. Playground Design