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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Gio Santana, Superintendent of Parks
DATE: August 14th, 2020
SUBJECT:
A resolution to award McCarty Park Phase II improvements located in Ward 2 to BCI Burke in the amount of one hundred fifty five thousand, two hundred forty six dollars and zero cents ($155,246.00).
PURPOSE:
To upgrade McCarty Park with playground equipment to complement the existing splash pad. The playground is frequented by many children accompanied by their parents from the surrounding neighborhoods. McCarty Park sits in the middle of a high density area along with multiple day cares that are within walking distance from the playground. The improvements to the playground will include ADA accessibility which none of the other area playgrounds currently have. BCI Burk specializes in playgrounds emphasizing inclusivity and is currently completing renovations & improvements to the playground over at Hope D. Wall on the City's west side (ward 6) The City has purchased other inclusive play equipment from BCI Burke including ADA accessible swings for McCarty Park in 2019.
BACKGROUND:
McCarty Park in not only a Legacy Park but is also Aurora's oldest playground, originally platted back in 1835. Phase I of the playground renovations were completed back in 2009. Phase II has been in the works for years and approved as part of the 2020 budget.
City staff met with several vendors at the Illinois Parks and Recreation conference in January of 2020. Based on several options presented by various vendors we narrowed down the type of equipment we wanted to fit in with the motif of the playground. In March we started reaching out to vendors to inquire about our specific needs for the playground. However due to the pandemic only a few vendors responded. Options provided by BCI Burke were the ones that fit our needs the best, in addition to the fact that the equipment provided by Burke also matches the swing set purchased from them in 2019.
DISCUSSION:
Due to City applying for and receiving a $40K grant (which has certain deadlines we need to meet), the delay imposed by COVID 19, the timeline necessary to complete the repairs, and the vendor being part the Omnia Cooperative program we did not bid this project out.
This is a budgeted item in the 2020 budget account 340-4440-451.73-43 (CIP F055) at $155,000. The Capital Improvements Fund has sufficient fund to provide for the additional $246 as quoted by Play Illinois Park & Playground Solutions as attached.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Renovations to the playground will not only provide much needed improvements for one of our Legacy Parks, but also provide inclusivity options not available at other area playgrounds. The families that live in the neighborhoods surrounding McCarty Park will benefit from having an inclusive playground walking distance from their homes. In addition the renovations will also provide a location where the residents of St Charles Senior Living (across the street from the playground) can spend time quality time when their family members visit.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution awarding the renovations to BCI Burke in the amount of one hundred fifty five thousand, two hundred forty six dollars and zero cents ($155,246.00) be adopted.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution To Award McCarty Park Phase II Improvements Located in Ward 2 to BCI Burke.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, It is a goal of the City to upgrade playground equipment each year for proper maintenance of such facilities.
WHEREAS, the funds for the park renovations of McCarty Park were approved as part of the 2020 budget in account 340-4440-751.73-43 with CIP F055 with a budget of $155,000; and
WHEREAS, BCI Burke is part of the Omnia Cooperative program; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the Purchasing Director is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with BCI Burke for a not to exceed amount of $155,246.00.