Title
Tot Lot (B)
Explanation
At the CRA meeting held on July 17, 2006, the Community Redevelopment Agency recommended that the City Commission contact the Gainesville Housing Authority to request that Parcel #13956 be returned to the City in order to make improvements. The CRA has entered into a partnership with Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to partially fund the improvements and the design of the Tot Lot. On March 27, 2007, Pat Byrne of Parks presented a design and amenities to the Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street Redevelopment Advisory Board which was approved.
Kompon a world leader of manufactured Playground Equipment products was selected for the installation of the playground equipment for the Tot Lot. Kompon's is an international supplier of playground equipment for more than 35 years. A sculptural artist and child development specialist founded Kompon, it's products are designed with the understanding that children have different abilities at every developmental stage. To ensure that the playground equipments are designed appropriately for each age group with the maximum play value, Kompon founded the Kompon Play institute. The KPI is a network of child development experts who conduct play research, guide product development, and educate play environment designers of the importance of quality play value and design. Kompton was chosen as the sole Industry consultant to establish guidelines for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Kompon products are designed to meet the ADA guidelines. Kompton environmental policy has also earned the company the Green Business Award.
The Product line of Playground Equipment that was selected for the Tot Lot is geared towards 2-5 years old. The Early childhood Products line called "Element" and "Moments" is installed at the Tot Lot. "Elements" are the only commercial play system designed without any paint, powder coating or PVC." Moments "found it artistic roots from Tom Lindhardt a sculptural artist form Denmark whose initial designs were originally sold as large outdoor sculptures but children soon discovered playing on them was a lot more fun.
The Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street Advisory Board felt that the masonry wall should be replaced with the Black aluminum fence that will front the Tot Lot. Staff contacted Mr. Cherry who is in favor of removing 35ft of the existing masonry wall and installing the black aluminum fence. The Fifth Avenue pleasant Street Redevelopment Advisory Board, Mr. Cherry and staff felt that the black aluminum fence would be aesthetically pleasing and require no maintenance.
Fiscal Note
$30,300.00 is budgeted for improvements to the Tot Lot. Parks and Recreation has budgeted $15,000 to the Tot lot. This includes playground equipment, upgrades, and maintenance by Oasis as part of the contract to maintain the Fifth Avenue/ Pleasant Street Redevelopment area.
Recommendation
Executive Director to the CRA: Hear an update from staff.