(STAFF REPORT)
The city of Brooksville is looking to update the playground at Tom Varn Park. The current wooden structures were constructed in 1990 for around $50,000 and have no doubt entertained countless children in its nearly 30 years of use. Approximately 1,700 community volunteers helped to construct the 10,000 square foot playground over the course of approximately 5 days. The project was sponsored through the generous support of the Jr. Service League.
The city explains that due to the natural aging progression of wooden play structure many of the features are unrepairable/unreplaceable and do not meet current Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. As elements of the playground deteriorate that have been removed.
The city is now seeking a grant Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) to replace the playground structures. The replacement cost is $150,000. The city has budgeted this expenditure in FY 2020-2021 budget. The grant would reimburse 75% of the playground cost. City council approved the grant application during consent agenda approval on Oct. 7, 2019.
