Our son is so sad everytime we drive by Burton Park in San Carlos....and says that his park has disappeared and we need to find it. I have assured him it will be back better than ever very soon. Here are the details I found regarding the progress of the new park on www.cityofsancarlos.org.
The City of San Carlos, along with the Parks and Recreation Foundation, Advocates for Accessible Recreation and the Burton Park Playground Committee has formed a successful partnership that is launching the community toward the first fully inclusive playground in San Mateo County. Many people in the community have worked very hard for a very long time to bring this project to fruition.This document is intended to answer questions that have arisen regarding the project and its scheduled completion date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did we need a new playground?
We had received many complaints about the school age and toddler playgrounds. The existing playgrounds in Burton Park were aged, past the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan and in need of replacement.Several of the elements have been removed due to breakage and safety concerns. The playgrounds were becoming unsafe.
What will the new playgrounds look like?
The new playgrounds will feature sand and water play and swings in both the school age and tot lots and a water spray play area between the two playgrounds. The school age area will have new trees, turf and shade structures.New inclusive play structures will be installed, along with new seating areas and a water fountain with an accessible drinking spout for youth and adults and a lower water bowl for dogs to enjoy.An inclusive playground is one designed to allow access to and on the play structure and interactive activities for all children regardless of ability or disability.
When will be playground be built?
A construction contract has been awarded.We are waiting for the contractor to give us a construction schedule which we anticipate will begin in early June.Construction is expected to be completed in two months.
Why the delay between demolition and construction?
C.W. Wright Construction and Peninsula Hauling & Demolition donated their services for the demolition.This saved the project $30,000.Because this was a volunteer effort, demolition needed to be completed before finishing construction documents, for bidding the project, to ensure no surprises in the ground.One surprise was found, a deeper than expected cement curbing.This adjustment was then made in the construction documents and the project was put out to bid.This is unique as normally demolition occurs as part of construction but it was felt the $30,000 savings warranted the action.The leveled site is safe and accessible for foot traffic and creative play activities until the new playground construction begins.
Why do the project without full funding identified?
As mentioned above, both playgrounds were past their lifespan and becoming unsafe.If we waited until full funding was identified we may have had to remove the old playgrounds for an even longer period of time than experienced with our volunteer demolition.
What is the current fundraising status?
Total cost for replacement of both playgrounds is estimated at $850,000.The City of San Carlos has committed $415,000 from Capital Improvement Program (CIP) appropriations for this project. The Parks and Recreation Foundation of San Carlos adopted Burton Playground as their initial project.Through community and business donations the Foundation has secured additional funding.To date, $67,632 is still needed to completely fund the project.The City Council has approved funding any shortfall from the restricted CIP funds that can only be used for Parks and Recreation capital improvement projects, such as the playgrounds.
Why spend the money on the playground with the current budget problems?
The budget problems are in the City’s General Fund.The money for the playground is coming from the City’s restricted fund that can only be used for Parks & Recreation capital improvement projects and from donations specifically identified for Burton Park playgrounds.It would be illegal and unethical to use these funds in the General Fund.
Why is construction happening in the summer?
Construction in the winter is subject to delays and other issues caused by weather.
For this article and more detailed information regarding Burton park, visit www.cityofsancarlos.org
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