cover
TO: Mayor and City Councill
FROM: Jason Bauer, Interim Director of Public Works
Lt. Andy Wolcott, Aurora Police Department
DATE: May 7, 2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution to purchase mobile vehicle barriers from Meridian Rapid Defense Group for use at Wilder Park.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council authorization to purchase mobile vehicle barriers from Meridian Rapid Defense Group, 177 E. Colorado Blvd, Suite 200, Pasadena, CA 91105.
BACKGROUND:
In 2021/2022, Wilder Park underwent a re-envisioning. The project entailed the construction of new playground equipment, a pavilion structure, a new promenade in place of River Street and fencing. The goal was to provide a unique place within the city that could support outdoor festivals. Since that reconstruction project, the Wilder Park Promenade has hosted various activities ranging from food truck festivals to small concerts. Security measures to protect attendees at these special events are a necessity. We have historically used a combination of police cars, dump trucks and concrete barriers to protect attendees at parades, festivals and other events around the city. We have learned over time that these measures are not always the best, most practical way and most cost-effective way to protect crowds.
In the 2025 budget for Wilder Park, staff had intended to purchase and install removeable bollards at key locations throughout the park, to provide safety and separation from vehicles. As public works and APD continued with their research, it was decided that removeable bollards were likely not the right choice for Wilder Park. The biggest issues are the initial installation costs for crash rated barriers and the time and effort that would be expended to replaced the bollards if they are impacted by a vehicle.
Staff researched other safety barrier options that could be used in place of bollards. One product was brought out for a demonstration in the summer of 2024; this product prov...
Click here for full text