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South Playground

Proposal: funding South Playground maintenance in fall 2023. 
Date: [2023-10-15]
Proposed
use $1.5K from operating budget to refurbish existing playground. 
Background Summary

Playgrounds are a pre-existing part of the infrastructure for nearly everyone of us here at WaCoHo. The playgrounds have not been included in the reserve analysis. As a result, there is no funding specifically for maintaining or replacing playgrounds at WaCoHo.  Playgrounds contribute to the livability of WaCoHo and we currently have a motivated and capable group who can do all the refurbishing work.

Starting in fall of 2022 the community discussed options for the South Playground (aka common house playground.) In spring of 2023 the community agreed that it would be best to refurbish and maintain the existing playground rather than other options including tearing the structure down.  It was also agreed that the money would likely come from the operating budget. 

“At budget time, Management didn’t put money in the budget for it but told the parents committee to figure out what they wanted and how much it would cost, then come to Management and we would try to find some money.”

-per ACM minutes [2023-04]

How this proposal intends to address the issue

Current structure has been neglected and needs some funds for materials in order to make it suitable for use.  We are very happy to be able to refurbish the current structure to keep using it for several years

Phase 1: Safety/refresh
-Taking off all vertical slats, removing all errant nails/screws. 
-Removing leaning post on W side 
-Removing the decking 
-Re-leveling the joists for a new platform (TBD; if joists are solid may be left in place)
-installing a new platform (~$200 for new pressure treated lumber or ~$360 for untreated redwood)
-Painting/staining the verticals and reinstalling them, leaving one section open completely for installation of a rope climber or climbing wall.
-Re angling the ladder and adding some handles at the top.
-Removing the swing chains that are not in use
-adding swing that many ages can use; thinking of those saucer or glider types.
-weeding the mulch area, adding more mulch
-fresh sand for sand box

Phase 2: Expansion
- adding sheathing underneath on two sides to give it a playhouse feeling
-a little window cutout or counter for playing make believe ice cream shop
-slack line or rope spiderweb set up
-rock garden

Pros:

  1. Save community money and labor.  (No need to tear down the current structures and no increase to your HOA fee)

  2. No interruption for kids to play with this current structure.

  3. Relatively easy repairs needed can be done by community members themselves.

  4. Sturdy structure already in place.

  5. Can be used for a long time after repairs.

  6. Unique and community made playground.

  7. Having an operating and safe play area around the CH is helping build community and create more connections between members.

Cons:

  1. Will not look like a new structure like in condominium communities.

  2. Perceived risk and liability issues.

  3. Possible neighborhood attractant.

  4. Best suited for 5-12 yo range, not well suited for younger ages.

  5. unknown time frame for “new structure”
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