Title
Schussler Park All-Inclusive Playground Concept
History
On May 1, 2023 the Village entered into a Schussler Park sponsorship agreement with Michael Schofield III, Kendall Coyne Schofield and the Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation. This includes naming rights of the Schussler Park artificial turf sports fields, the purchase and installation of an athletic scoreboard and partnering with the Village to raise funds for the purchase and installation of an all-inclusive play environment within Schussler Park.
The agreement includes partnering with the Village to raise funds for the purchase and installation of the all-inclusive playground at Schussler Park.
The Village Board approved entering into a contract with Wight & Co. June 19, 2023 to develop a conceptual plan to develop the playground. This included a project kick-off meeting which occurred on August 9, 2023 with Village staff, Michael Schofield and Kendal Coyne Schofield to discuss the goals and objectives of the project.
On September 22, 2023 Wight presented and reviewed concepts from four manufacturers (Burke, Kompan, Landscape Structures/NuToys, Imagine Nation/Playworld) with Village staff, Michael Schofield and Kendal Coyne Schofield to gather input to establish the overall vision for the park and help guide the design team as in the development of conceptual options for the playground and interpretive elements on the playground structure.
In addition to providing input, the working group narrowed the playground equipment manufacturers to Burke and Kompan noting each’s concept best achieved the objective of an interactive, inclusive play environment utilizing a variety of fun, interactive and stimulating playground equipment for children of all ability levels. Additionally, each included a calming feature for individuals in need of an area with low sensory stimulation.
On October 6, 2023, Wight presented refined concepts from Burke and Kompan to Village staff, Michael Schofield and Kendal Coyne Schofield.
The group believes the quality of the equipment, variety of experiences, themes, colors, dream big and donor walls create a superior play experience for individuals of all abilities. As such, Burke was selected to provide a final concept incorporating additional input provided.
In effort to solicit input from the general public, postcards were mailed to 823 homes within 1500 feet of Schussler Park inviting residents to participate in the October 19, 2023 all-inclusive playground engagement session. Additionally, social media was utilized to publicize and invite residents to the presentation.
Village staff, along with Wight staff, Michael Schofield and Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Margaret Chaidez, ADA Coordinator and Project Manager for Burke, hosted the public engagement session at the Civic Center. The presentation included the overall concept noting the playgrounds individual features and overall goal to provide a comprehensive play environment for all ages and abilities.
Staff, along with Burke’s ADA Coordinator, presented the concept (attached) to the Recreation Advisory Board (RAB) on November 14, 2023. The RAB engaged in a discussion regarding the overall size of the playground as compared to the former playground, the overall cost, the play value for different age groups, the cost in comparison to other ADA playgrounds and shaded seating areas. The RAB tabled the motion requesting two additional swings, and a two to five-year-old slide be added, as well as details related to the overall conversation.
A revised concept (attached), was presented to the RAB on December 5, 2023. The former playground was 9,945 sq. ft., while the new playground would be 6,391 sq. ft. This is primarily due to the equipment spacing on the previous playground.
The proposed playground has a capacity of 284 users, serving children 5 - 12 yrs. of age.
Changes from the previous design include:
• Expanding the playground footprint on the south and east sides to fit all equipment.
• Adding 2 swings
• Adding a 2 - 5 yr. old slide
• Replacing the Hide the Numbers Panel with the stairs up to the Luge Slide
• Moving the Concession Stand over accordingly
• Moving the single post swings to the bottom right corner and the Volito at an angle in the bottom left corner
• Removing one table and shade structure from quiet area
The playground is projected to cost $996,400 including contracting and general requirements of 8%, $54,300; a 6% 2-year escalation of $88,000 and soft costs of $174,800.
Comparable all-inclusive playgrounds include:
2010 Huntely Park District’s Deicke Park: 30,000 sq. ft., with multiple play zones; $1,000,000.
2011 Darien Park District’s Community Park: 17,000 sq. ft over two areas; $199,000.
2012 Village of Orland Park’s Kevin Hertz Playground: 10,797; $355,000.
2015 Wheaton Park District’s Sensory Garden: 4-acre park; $2,500,000
2016 Elmhurst Park District’s Butterfield Park: 13,000 sq. ft.; $592,420
2018 Oak Brook Park District’s Sandlot: 4,400 sq. ft.; $1,000,000
2020 Bartlett Park District’s Free to Be Me Playground: 4,300 sq. ft.; $800,000
2021 New Lenox Park District’s Leigh Creek South: 6,600 sq. ft.; $1,000,000
2023 Mundelein Park & Recreation District: size n/a; $1,200,000
In 2024, $250,000 is being planned in the Natural Resources Facilities (NRF) Division operational budget for the playground. The remaining $746,400 will become the target fundraising goal in which Village staff, Michael Schofield, Kendal Coyne Schofield, the Schofield Foundation and Burke will partner to raise.
The final playground design and scope will be dependent upon the overall total funds raised through the campaign fundraising effort.
This agenda item is being considered by the Committee of the Whole and the Village Board of Trustees on the same night.
Financial Impact
The projected cost of the all-inclusive playground as presented is projected to be $1,424,900. In 2024, $250,000 is being planned in the Natural Resources Facilities (NRF) Division. Additionally, the pavilion and half basketball court will be funded from NRF and Recreation and Parks operational expenses.
In 2024, $250,000 is being planned in the Natural Resources Facilities (NRF) Division. Additionally, the pavilion and half basketball court will be fund from NRF and Recreation and Parks operational expenses.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the Schussler Park All-Inclusive Playground concept as presented. The final playground design and scope will be dependent upon the overall total funds raised through the campaign fundraising effort.