Playground Assessment Report Dolores CO

Transcription

1 Playground Assessment Report Dolores CO Inspection Date Inspector Dave Johnson Playground Name Ron Kotarski Jr Memorial Playground at Joe Roswell Park Playground Location Date playground was built Report Date Report submitted by Dave Johnson

2 OVERVIEW The playground was built in 2002 and is in poor to fair condition. The posts and framing are in poor condition. Several poles show some signs of rot. Much of the pressure treated wood (handrail posts, trim cap, equipment, etc.) is showing its age and should be replaced with structural plastic materials where possible. There are several maintenance issues and safety non-compliances. This is not a full playground audit but a subjective assessment of your playgrounds condition and our professional recommendations. General observations This assessment is based on a site visit meeting with the client. The playground is 15 years old. The playground should be expected to last around 20 years with proper maintenance. The original materials used in the playground were pressure treated wood posts and framing. The original wood was treated with ACQ. It is apparent from its condition that this playground is a well-used attraction in the area. There is a strong emotional connection with the community and the playground. General Observations picture #1

3 General Observations picture #2

4 MAIN SUPPORT POSTS Support post materials Pressure treated wood Support post size 6x6 Support post treatment ACQ Support post comments Some support posts show slight signs of rot at the grade line. Many posts have significant splitting and cracking above grade. The posts are in poor condition. Support post recommendations Replace with low maintenance recycled structural plastic. Support post additional recommendations Even though the posts do not show significant rot at or below grade, the deterioration of the wood above grade is significant. In our opinion, trying to save the posts would not resolve the maintenance issues. Support post picture #1

5 Support post picture #2

6 FRAMING Framing materials Pressure treated wood Framing size 2x6 Framing treatment ACQ Framing Comments Much of the framing is significantly deteriorated, to the point where the screws and nails no longer hold in the split and cracked wood. The framing is in poor condition. Framing recommendations Replace with low maintenance recycled structural plastic. Framing picture #1

7 Framing picture #2

8 DECKING Decking materials Composite. Decking size 2x6 Decking treatment N/A Decking comments Decking is in fair condition, considering that it's first generation composite. Decking recommendations Replace with recycled plastic. Decking picture #1

9 Decking picture #2

10 HANDRAILS Handrail materials Composite Handrail height for 2-5 Area 30.25" Handrail height for 5-12 Area 38.25" Handrail size 2x6 Handrail treatment N/A Handrail comments Handrails are in fair condition based on their age and the material is first-generation composite. Handrail recommendations Replace with low maintenance recycled plastic. Handrail picture #1

11 Handrail picture #2

12 HANDRAIL POSTS Handrail posts materials Pressure treated wood Handrail posts size 2x4 Handrail post treatment ACQ Handrail post comments As with most of the wood on this playground, the handrail posts are significantly cracked and split, especially the end grain. This deterioration cannot be reversed and replacement of the handrail posts is highly recommended. The handrail posts are in poor condition. Handrail post recommendations Replace with low maintenance recycled structural plastic. Handrail post picture #1

13 Handrail post picture #2

14 BALUSTERS Baluster materials and size Composite 2x4's Baluster comments 2x4 Composite balusters are in fair condition considering their age and the material being first generation composite. Baluster recommendations Replace with a combination of recycled plastic balusters and powder coated pipe balusters to increase visibility. Baluster additional recommendations The trim cap which is over top and bottom of the balusters is significantly cracked and split. Screws no longer hold through the wood into the balusters Baluster picture #1

15 Baluster picture #2

16 MAZE CUBES Maze cube materials Pressure treated wood framing and composite decking. Maze cube size 29.5" outside length Maze cube comments Some of the maze cube wood framing is cracked and split. The composite decking on the maze cubes are in fair condition. Maze cube recommendations Replace all maze cubes with recycled framing and decking. Maze cube Picture #1

17 Maze cube picture #2

18 FENCE Fence posts Pressure treated wood 4x4's Fence framing Pressure treated wood Fence pickets Pressure treated 1x3's Fence picket names Some with names, some without Fence comments The fence is in poor condition (major splintering - missing pickets and wear). Fence recommendations Replace with a new all plastic fence. Fence picture #1

19 Fence picture #2

20 LOW PERIMETER Low perimeter materials Pressure treated 8x8's (double layer) Is the perimeter secure and firmly fastened? Yes Are there any trip hazards? Yes Is perimeter outside of necessary use zones? Yes Low perimeter comments Perimeter is in poor condition. Low Perimeter recommendations Replace with a new all plastic perimeter. Low perimeter picture #1

21 Low perimeter picture #2

22 SAFETY SURFACING Safety surfacing type Appears to be Engineered wood fiber. Verify with owner. Safety surfacing comments Safety surfacing is in poor condition several areas need more surfacing added. Are there marks to show proper safety surfacing depth? Yes Safety surfacing recommendation Add additional engineered wood fiber to a total depth of 12" throughout. Safety surfacing picture #1

23 Safety surfacing picture #2

24 SLIDES Slide 1 Slide name or type Spiral tube slide. What is the height of the deck from the safety surfacing? 78" Does the slide have any gaps, cracks or entanglements? Yes What is the height of the exit region from bottom of safety surfacing? 18" Does the slide have proper use zones? Yes Slide recommendation: Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured slide Slide 1 additional recommendations: This slide is in relatively good condition and could be re-used in a new playground, but the lifespan of the slide would be reduced by a number of years. Slide 1 picture #1

25 Slide 1 picture #2

26 Slide 2 Slide name or type Right veer tube slide What is the height of the deck from the safety surfacing? 70" Does the slide have any gaps, cracks or entanglements? No What is the height of the exit region from bottom of safety surfacing? 16" Does the slide have proper use zones? Yes Slide recommendation: Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured slide. Slide 2 additional recommendations: This slide been replaced and could be re-used in a new build. But again lifespan of the slide is reduced. Slide 2 picture #1

27 Slide 2 picture #2

28 Slide 3 Slide name or type Straight wave slide What is the height of the deck from the safety surfacing? 52" Does the slide have any gaps, cracks or entanglements? No What is the height of the exit region from bottom of safety surfacing? 14" Does the slide have proper use zones? Yes Slide recommendation: Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured slide. Slide 3 picture #1

29 Slide 3 picture #2

30 Slide 4 Slide name or type Tot wide slide What is the height of the deck from the safety surfacing? 42" Does the slide have any gaps, cracks or entanglements? Yes What is the height of the exit region from bottom of safety surfacing? 9" Does the slide have proper use zones? Yes Slide recommendation: Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured slide. Slide 4 picture #1

31 Slide 4 picture #2

32 SWINGS 5-12 area swings Do they have proper use zones? No Maximum 2 seats per bay? Yes Condition of the hardware? Good Condition of seats? Good Condition of the support frame? Good. Swing beams have been replaced. Swings 5-12 recommendation Replace with new manufactured equipment. Swings 5-12 picture #1

33 Swings 5-12 picture #2 Swings 5-12 picture #3

34 2-5 area swings Do they have proper use zones? No Maximum 2 seats per bay? Yes Condition of the hardware? Fair. Some loose swing brackets. Condition of seats? Good Condition of the support frame? Good. Swing beams have been replaced. Comments 63" from fence on accessible side of tot swing. All Swing beams have been replaced once. Swings 2-5 recommendation Replace with new manufactured equipment. Swings 2-5 picture #1

35 Swings 2-5 picture #2 Swings 2-5 picture #3

36 OVERHEAD EQUIPMENT Horizontal Ladder Maximum of 15" center to center of rungs? Yes Maximum height of hand grip is 74"? Yes Condition of equipment Poor Comments 2 x 6 ladder supports and 2 x 10 headers are significantly cracked and split. Horizontal Ladder recommendation Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured overhead equipment. Horizontal Ladder picture #1

37 Horizontal Ladder picture #2

38 Rings / Ring Bridge Maximum of 15" from pivot point and bottom of handgrip Yes Maximum height of hand grip is 84"? Yes Condition of equipment Poor Comments 2 x 6 beams and 2 x 10 headers are significantly cracked and split. Rings / Ring Bridge recommendation Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured overhead equipment. Rings / Ring Bridge picture #1

39 Rings / Ring Bridge picture #2

40 Parallel Horizontal Ladder Maximum of 15" center to center of rungs? Yes Maximum height of hand grip is 74"? No Condition of equipment Poor Comments 2 x 6 support beams are significantly cracked and split. Parallel Horizontal Ladder recommendation Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured overhead equipment. Parallel Horizontal Ladder picture #1

41 Parallel Horizontal Ladder picture #2

42 Chin Up Pipe 1 Is there 80" clear from pipe to adequate safety surfacing? No Actual distance clear? 84" Condition of equipment Good Chin Up Pipe 1 recommendation Repaint red stripe on chin up pipe to make this piece more visible Chin Up Pipe 1 picture #1

43 Chin Up Pipe 2 Is there 80" clear from pipe to adequate safety surfacing? No Actual distance clear? 84" Condition of equipment Good Chin Up Pipe 2 recommendation Repaint red stripe on chin up pipe to make this piece more visible Chin Up Pipe 2 picture #1

44 Chin Up Pipe 2 picture #2

45 CHAIN & HOSE EQUIPMENT Chain Cargo Net Comments This apparatus has been removed and replaced with a wooden ramp. Chain Cargo Net recommendation Remove ramp, and rebuild as originally designed, using new cable version of cargo net. Chain Cargo Net picture #1 Chain Cargo Net picture #2

46 Chain Bridge Condition of chain & hose? Fair Condition of hardware? Good Proper openings? Yes Chain Bridge recommendation Replace with new cable version. Chain bridge picture #1

47 Chain bridge picture #2

48 Chain Soft Climber Condition of chain & hose? Poor Proper openings? Yes Chain Soft Climber recommendation Replace with new high to low equipment. Chain Soft Climber picture #1 Chain Soft Climber picture #2

49 Climbers Rock Wall Condition of Climber Fair Rock Wall recommendation Rebuild as originally designed, using new low maintenance materials. Rock Wall picture #1

50 ROOFS Roofs/Towers/Seating/Benches Condition of roof/towers Good. Covered with steel. Roofs/Towers recommendation Leave as is. Roofs/towers pictures #1 Roofs/towers pictures #2

51 Roofs/towers pictures #3 Roofs/towers pictures #4

52 Roofs/towers pictures #5

53 Condition of Seating Area Poor to fair. Seating area recommendations Rebuild with new low maintenance materials. Seating area pictures #1 Seating area pictures #2

54 Seating area pictures #3 Seating area pictures #4

55 Seating area pictures #5

56 MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT 5-12 area Fire Pole Maximum of 15" between bollards Yes 18"-20" between pole and platform Yes Minimum of 60" vertical above the platform Yes Comments Fire pole Fire pole is in good condition. Could be reused in a new build. Fire Pole recommendation Leave fire pole as is. Replace missing boards between the deck and grade to avoid head entrapment. Fire pole picture #1

57 Fire pole picture #2

58 Suspension bridge Are there any non-compliant gaps greater than 1/2"? No Is the safety bridge in good condition? No Comments Suspension bridge is in very bad condition. It should be replaced with new materials and or a walk bridge/catwalk. Suspension bridge recommendation Rebuild as originally designed, using new low maintenance materials. Suspension bridge additional recommendations There are many potential injuries which could occur on this apparatus. Immediate attention and repair is highly recommended. Suspension bridge picture #1

59 Suspension bridge picture #2

60 Vertical Ladder Vertical Ladder recommendation Rebuild as originally designed, using new low maintenance materials. Vertical Ladder picture #1 Vertical Ladder picture #2

61 MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT 2-5 area Sandboxes Sandboxes Comments Framing at fence is in very bad condition. Could possibly re-design this area to include more accessible equipment. Sandbox recommendation Rebuild with low maintenance materials. Sandboxes picture #1 Sandboxes picture #2

62 Low Accessible Ladder Hand gripping device is a maximum 54" to the surfacing. Yes Low Accessible Ladder recommendation Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured equipment. Low Accessible Ladder picture #1 Low Accessible Ladder picture #2

63 Low Accessible Rings Hand gripping device is a maximum 54" to the surfacing. Yes Low Accessible Rings recommendation Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured equipment. Low Accessible Rings picture #1 Low Accessible Rings picture #2

64 Rubber bridge 5-12 area Rubber bridge 5-12 area Comments Framing for rubber bridge is in very bad condition. Rubber bridge 5-12 area recommendations Rebuild as originally designed, using new low maintenance materials. Rubber bridge 5-12 area picture #1 Rubber bridge 5-12 area picture #2

65 Crawl Tunnel 1 Crawl Tunnel 1 Comments Framing for crawl tunnel is in very bad condition. Crawl Tunnel 1 recommendation Replace with new manufactured equipment. Crawl Tunnel 1 picture #1 Crawl Tunnel 1 picture #2

66 Balance Beam on Chains 5-12 Top of balance beam is a maximum of 16" above the surfacing? yes Balance Beam on Chains 5-12 recommendation Rebuild with new low maintenance materials. Balance Beam on Chains 5-12 picture #1 Balance Beam on Chains 5-12 picture #2

67 Activity Panels & Music Tic-tac-toe Tic-tac-toe Comments Wood framing for Tic-Tac-Toe is cracked and split. Should be replaced with new structure of plastic. Tic-tac-toe recommendation Rebuild with new low maintenance materials. Tic-tac-toe picture #1 Tic-tac-toe picture #2

68 Sound wall Sound wall Comments Wood framing for sound wall is significantly deteriorated and should be replaced with new structural plastic Sound wall recommendation Rebuild with new low maintenance materials. Sound wall picture #1 Sound wall picture #2

69 Phones Phone recommendation Replace with new. Phone picture #1

70 GENERAL ACCESSIBILITY Accessibility Comments Accessibility is limited. Accessibility recommendations Adding new accessible components would greatly increase the play value in this playground Accessibility picture #1

71 MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Misc. 1 Misc. 1 Comments Tree with face hole Misc. 1 recommendations Rebuild this feature using low maintenance materials, and a more open and visible design concept. Misc. picture #1

72 Misc. 2 Misc. 2 Comments Ship Misc. 2 recommendations Updating the art work on this feature would add some life to this area of the playground. Misc. 2 picture #1

73 Misc. 3 Misc. 3 Comments Mirrors. Misc. 3 recommendations Leave as is. Misc.3 picture #1

74 Misc. 4 Misc. 4 Comments Tractor Misc. 4 recommendations Repainting the tractor and updating the art work on this feature would add some life to this area of the playground. Misc. 4 picture #1

75 Misc. 5 Misc. 5 Comments Train Misc. 5 recommendations Rebuild this feature using low maintenance materials. Misc. 5 picture #1

76 PROPOSED SCOPE OF WORK Support post recommendations Replace with low maintenance recycled structural plastic. Framing recommendations Replace with low maintenance recycled structural plastic. Decking recommendations Replace with recycled plastic. Handrail recommendations Replace with low maintenance recycled plastic. Handrail post recommendations Replace with low maintenance recycled structural plastic. Balusters recommendations Replace with a combination of recycled plastic balusters and powder coated pipe balusters to increase visibility. Maze cubes recommendations Replace all maze cubes with recycled framing and decking. Fence recommendations Replace with a new all plastic fence. Low perimeter recommendations Replace with a new all plastic perimeter. Safety surfacing recommendations Add additional engineered wood fiber to a total compacted depth of 12" throughout. Slide 1 recommendations Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured slide Slide 2 recommendations Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured slide Slide 3 recommendations Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured slide Slide 4 recommendations Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured slide Swings 5-12 recommendations Replace with new manufactured equipment. Swings 2-5 recommendations Replace with new manufactured equipment. Horizontal Ladder recommendations Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured overhead equipment. Rings / Ring Bridge recommendations Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured overhead equipment.

77 Parallel Horizontal Ladder recommendations Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured overhead equipment. Chin Up Pipe 1 recommendations Repaint red stripe on chin up pipe to make this piece more visible Chin Up Pipe 2 recommendations Repaint red stripe on chin up pipe to make this piece more visible Chain Cargo Net recommendations Remove ramp, and rebuild as originally designed, using new cable version of cargo net. Chain Bridge recommendations Replace with new cable version. Chain Soft Climber recommendations Replace with new high to low equipment. Rock Wall recommendations Rebuild as originally designed, using new low maintenance materials. Roofs/Towers recommendations Leave as is. Benches & Seating Area recommendations Rebuild with new low maintenance materials. Fire Pole recommendations Leave fire pole as is. Replace missing boards between the deck and grade to avoid head entrapment. Suspension Bridge recommendations Rebuild as originally designed, using new low maintenance materials. Vertical Ladder recommendations Rebuild as originally designed, using new low maintenance materials. Sandbox recommendations Rebuild with low maintenance materials. Low Accessible Ladder recommendations Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured equipment. Low Accessible Rings recommendations Replace with new, low maintenance manufactured equipment. Rubber Bridge 5-12 area recommendations Rebuild as originally designed, using new low maintenance materials. Crawl Tunnel 1 recommendations Replace with new manufactured equipment. Balance Beam on Chains recommendations Replace with new low maintenance materials. Tic-tac-toe recommendation Rebuild with new low maintenance materials.

78 Sound Wall recommendations Replace with new low maintenance materials. Phone recommendations Replace with new. General Accessibility recommendations Adding new accessible components would greatly increase the play value in this playground Misc. 1 recommendations Rebuild this feature using low maintenance materials, and a more open and visible design concept. Misc. 2 recommendations Updating the art work on this feature would add some life to this area of the playground. Misc. 3 recommendations Leave as is. Misc. 4 recommendations Repainting the tractor and updating the art work on this feature would add some life to this area of the playground. Misc. 5 recommendations Rebuild this feature using low maintenance materials. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION Most of the structure has several structural & safety issues. It is recommended to begin planning for a replacement. CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS The majority of our projects are constructed through community volunteers. This process is L&A s heart and soul. The community built method not only saves money but empowers communities with limitless potential and benefits. At the same time, we understand that the community built model is not always an option or the best choice. In those situations, we also can work with contractors, city workers, volunteers and a variety of combinations. In many cases L&A can also be the contractor for the project. Our goal is to find the right solution for your community and situations. CONCLUSION There are several minor maintenance and safety compliance issues. These areas can be repaired back to their original condition, or in some cases there are newer options that offer more maintenance friendly materials. Following the recommendations above will help reduce overall maintenance needs, bring the playground back into safety compliance and ensure the structure last as it was intended to. The finished work will comply with the current version of ASTM F1487 and CPSC Pub.325.

79 ASSOCIATED COSTS An estimate for the proposed scope of work above including L&A fees (design, project management and construction consultation) and all materials is estimated at around $160, ,000. This cost estimate is based on utilizing our community built model, and includes engineered wood fiber as the ground cover. It s anticipated that the work can be completed in four to five (4-5) days. As a reminder, this is just an estimate until we define the final scope of work and get actual quotes for the materials. Due the structures age, we have provided an estimated cost to replace the playground with a new design utilizing all of today s latest materials (no wood). Today s playgrounds are expected to last minimally 30 years with minimal maintenance needs. A custom designed community built replacement estimate is around $210, ,000 for a playground with similar square footage as your existing playground. This cost estimate is based on utilizing our community built model, and includes engineered wood fiber as the ground cover. It s anticipated that the work can be completed in five (5) days. While a renovation is an option, consideration should be given to the total amount budgeted vs. the expected longevity of each option. Also, yearly maintenance cost and needs for upkeep must be kept in mind. Removal or demo of the existing playground is not included in any of these estimates. If neither of the two options above are within an obtainable budget a smaller scope based on a reduced budget could be developed, or materials options can be discussed. NEXT STEPS Work with L&A to develop a final scope of work based on your budget and our recommendations. Work with L&A to review your fundraising plan. We will provide you component sales as well as fence picket sales to help with raising funds and generating excitement for the project. Determine if the project will be a community built project, a local contractor build with L&A supervision, a turn-key L&A contractor build, or a combination of these. Review when you would want the work completed by and develop a timeline from there. Please contact us if you have any questions. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with your community again. *For liability reasons, any changes made to the playground must be approved by or completed under the direction of L&A staff.

80 ASSOCIATED COSTS An estimate for the proposed scope of work above including L&A fees (design, project management and construction consultation) and all materials is estimated at around $XX. Choose an item. It s anticipated that the work can be completed in five days. As a reminder this is just an estimate until we define the final scope of work and get actual quotes for the materials. Due the structures age and condition, we have provided an estimated cost to replace the playground with a new design utilizing all of today s latest materials (no wood). Today s playgrounds are expected to last minimally 30 years with minimal maintenance needs. A custom designed community built replacement estimate is around $XX for a playground with similar square footage as your existing playground. This cost estimate is based on utilizing our community built model. It s anticipated that the work can be completed in five days. While a renovation is an option, consideration should be given to the total amount budgeted vs. the expected longevity of each option. Also yearly maintenance cost and needs for upkeep must be kept in mind. Removal or demo of the existing playground is not included in any of these estimates. If neither of the two options above are within an obtainable budget a smaller scope based on a reduced budget could be developed. NEXT STEPS Work with L&A to develop a final scope of work based on your budget and our recommendations. Review when you would want the work completed by and develop a timeline from there. Please contact us if you have any questions. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with your community again. *For liability reasons, any changes made to the playground must be approved by or completed under the direction of L&A staff.