Title
Recommendation to Accept the Notice of Completion for the Lincoln Park Playground Replacement Project.
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). (Recreation 10051400)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Lincoln Park playgrounds (one for children under age 5 and one for children ages 5 - 12) were replaced in November 2022 after a large oak tree fell on the large playground during a major storm event in 2021 that damaged it beyond repair. The project was funded by a State of California Prop 68 Per Capita Grant, General Fund, a donation from the Alameda Friends of the Parks Foundation and funds from a major community fundraising effort.
BACKGROUND
Staff held a community design input meeting on February 28, 2022 with over 100 people in attendance and posted an online survey for design input. On March 10, 2022, the Recreation and Parks Commission approved the final design and on April 19, 2022, the City Council approved the purchase of the playground equipment from Landscape Structures Inc.
The installation of playground equipment for the two areas, one for children under age 5 and one for children ages 5 - 12, was completed by G&G Builders, contracted under CUPCCAA (California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act). This allows for public project work under $200,000 to use the informal bidding procedures as outlined in the City of Alameda (City) Purchasing Policy.
Park Maintenance Division staff installed a centerpiece climbable lion at the front of the playground area.
DISCUSSION
The playgrounds were completed and open to the public on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 and have been well received by the community. The playgrounds were certified by a National Playground Safety Inspector and also inspected by Recreation and Parks Department staff. The project is complete and acceptable to the Recreation and Parks Department. The final total project cost was $497,231. When the City Council accepts the project, Recreation and Parks will file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder. This Notice of Completion is required to close out the State of California Per Capita grant and receive full reimbursement in the amount of $225,392.
ALTERNATIVES
• Accept the work as presented
• Do not accept the work and provide alternate direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The project was budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program as part of the Playground Replacement Project (C52000). No additional appropriations are needed. There is no financial impact from accepting the Project Notice of Completion. If the Notice of Completion is not accepted, then the State of California Per Capita Grant cannot be closed and the City will not receive the reimbursement in the amount of $225,392 and alternative funding must be identified.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
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
By keeping the safety surfacing as wood chips, it allows the existing mature trees to remain which provides significantly more carbon sequestration than if these trees were to be cut down and replaced elsewhere in the park by new, smaller trees. In addition, staff is working to confirm funding to replace the two large oak trees that feel in Lincoln Park with larger 48” box oak trees that will provide shade immediately after planting.
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the Notice of Completion for the Lincoln Park Playground Replacement Project.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director
cc: Jennifer Ott, City Manager