Members of Wadsworth City Council voted Tuesday (Jan. 23) to move ahead with plans for the new Destination Playground at Memorial Park.
Wadsworth City Council President Dave Williams says the city wants to fulfill the promises they made to the community about the new playground.
“I know we’ve had several discussions with our community (about this project). They think this is the project we’re gonna get and they believe that’s going to happen. So, now it’s on us to not only give them what they asked for, but to fund it,” Williams explained during the meeting.
At issue has been the price increase. Back in 2023, the city was given estimates in the $850,000 range for the new Destination Playground.
The city knew the price would change, as the quote did not include the entire playground having artificial surfaces vs. mulch, but did not know by how much.
So city officials went back to OHM Advisors, asking for an updated quote from the playground equipment company. The new quote came back at $1.8 million to include material and installation of artificial surfaces over the entire playground.
But that’s not the final cost. The $1.8 million does not include the cost for a zipline, splash pad, restroom — or any needed electrical improvements per the new playground plans.
Interim Service Director Matt Hiscock said the price tag jumps even higher when adding that in. “…If we move forward with the splash pad, restroom, zipline and pavilion feature, as proposed, that’s approximately $1 million for that particular project. If we move forward with the Memorial parking lots and road improvements, as depicted, and any associated utility work…that is a $4 million project in and of itself.”
In all, the total cost could be around $6.8 million.
Most of the money to fund the new Destination Playground is currently set to come from the City of Wadsworth’s general fund.
