Title
A Discussion on the Future Location of an Inclusive Playground
Brief Description: In March of this year, the Park Board requested the administration review Hudson Springs Park and Barlow Farm Park for the future site of the playground, when the City was informed that the additional federal funding would not be allocated for this project. At the May 13, 2025 Workshop, Council discussion included Oak Grove Park.
Body
Legislative History
Res No. 24-69 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a cost reimbursement agreement with Summit County Department of Disabilities for purchasing playground equipment for an inclusive playground at Middleton Park.
Res No. 23-140 Authorizing the City Manager to submit application to the State of Ohio Capital Budget Grant Process for Infrastructure costs to accommodate an inclusive playground.
Purpose & Explanation
The location of an inclusive playground at Barlow farm Park was voted on by the Hudson Park Board at the April 28, 2025 during a special Park Board meeting with 5 members present. The original location was Middleton Park, but without the additional federal funding for the restroom, utilities, and other infrastructure the City had to review existing parks in Hudson for this playground. At the March, 2025 Park Board meeting, Hudson Springs Park and Barlow Farm Park were the two locations discussed for possible relocation of the playground and to utilize the existing State of Ohio funding the City has received to date for this project.
The Barlow Farm Park location was chosen and approved by a majority of the Park Board members, and it will utilize existing infrastructure which will help to reduce the overall cost of the project, with the State and local funding. Two issues were discussed regarding the Barlow Farm Park site, with concerns for additional parking and speeding along the main driveway. The existing parking lot will be expanded with 38 new parking spaces prior to the playground construction, and the City Traffic Safety Committee is reviewing safety needs along the entrance driveway, that will be implemented as soon as possible. The existing concession stand will be reduced to ½ the current size and new family restroom will be constructed for the inclusive playground adjacent to the existing restrooms. There is an existing pavilion on site near the playground and this will also reduce the need for a new pavilion within the playground.
If approved by City Council, the City Manager will begin the design of the new playground at Barlow Farm Park and the other improvements to the site including the new family restroom, additional parking, and infrastructure changes.
The City Manager will return to Council with a proposal for the design and a request to bid and award the project at a later date. (See attached exhibit of the site conceptual site plan and estimate)
Legal Authority for Proposed Legislation
Pursuant to Charter Section 6.04, Contracts & Purchasing:
X Competitively bid and advertised for two consecutive weeks; bid tab attached: [Yes/No/NA])
Joint or Cooperative Purchase Program
Professional Services
Other [provide explanation]
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account #, $)
Appropriation Not Required
Does this legislation require use of an emergency clause?
Yes [if so, explain why]
No
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends that City Council approve the Barlow Farm Park location for the inclusive park.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Kevin J. Powell, Director of Public Works
Trent Wash, Assistant Director of Public Works