To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Breyana Brandt, Parks & Recreation Director
Prepared By: Ali Koenig, Parks Planning Manager
TITLE:
Title
Park Playground and Amenity Improvement Project - Phase II
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution: (1) approving and authorizing the Parks and Recreation Services Director to execute an agreement with Ross Recreation, for the Park Playground and Amenity Improvement Project in an amount not to exceed $1,595,868; (2) determining that the exception for procurement via existing contracts of other public agencies in Napa Municipal Code Section 2.91.060 and that the exception for specialty items in Napa Municipal Code 2.91.050 applies to the agreement; and (3) determining that the actions authorized by this resolution are exempt from CEQA.
Body
DISCUSSION:
Project Scope
Napa City Council approved funding in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget as part of Measure G projects for new shade equipment and the replacement of priority playground equipment and park infrastructure. This project follows the successful completion of Phase I improvements in 2025 and similarly will renovate multiple park sites that were categorized in poor or failing condition in the City’s park conditions assessment and enhance existing parks with shade structures. This project reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to improving recreational spaces for residents and supports the City Council’s Parks & Community Spaces Focus Area.
The scope for Phase II will include demolition and clearing of existing playground equipment and park features and the design, layout and installation of new playground equipment, shade structures, park amenities, safety surfacing and associated concrete work related to ADA ramp installation and/or modification and curbing. Priority locations have been identified at Esther Deaver Park, Solomon Park, Monarch Park, Springwood Park, and Fantástico Park. Work will also include the layout and installation of site furnishings at various locations across the City’s 54 parks to replace poor or failing park infrastructure to eliminate risk and improve City parks for residents.
City Staff engaged with the community, the Parks, Recreation, and Trees Advisory Commission and the Measure G Oversight Committee over multiple meetings to review the proposed playground designs and solicit feedback. Additionally, City Staff anticipates coordinating with the Kiwanis Club of Napa regarding volunteer assistance for playground installation contingent upon the work scheduled.
The installation of park playgrounds and the corresponding amenities will occur in phases with the first construction phase planned for Spring/Summer 2026. Playground replacements and shade structure installations are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026. Project updates will be provided to the community both at the project sites and online.
Project Background
The parks conditions assessment analyzed current and future City infrastructure needs, desired levels of service, and financial needs to sustain the delivery of park services for the community. This work is an implementation step of the 2040 General Plan Update, as well as the Department Capital Investment Policy, which both identify the need to develop a prioritization method for investing in the City’s parks system.
As part of these findings, it was identified that City playgrounds, a primary park function and high-cost amenity, were at a higher need of replacement. Located in over 60% of City Parks, Napa has 33 playground sites that provide an essential recreational opportunity and support the public health of youth and families. Of those 33 playgrounds, approximately one-third are due for replacement or retrofit planning given their condition rating. Additionally, the parks conditions assessment also found that 40% of the overall playground inventory is in fair condition. These sites will be due for planning in upcoming fiscal years.
Additionally, the City surveyed the community to understand desired improvements to parks. Of significance, overhead shade to provide multiple community benefits were recommended for future park capital projects.
Compliance with Napa Municipal Code 2.91.060 and 2.91.050
To provide the best cost and efficiencies to the City, Phase II of the Park Playground and Amenity Improvement Project is structured as Phase I was structured and approved by City Council. By entering into the proposed agreement, the City will meet the purpose and goals identified in Section 2.91.060 and 2.91.050 of the Napa Municipal Code:
Napa Municipal Code 2.91.060: Procurement of Equipment & Materials
Under Napa Municipal Code 2.91.060, the City may enter into a contract that is based upon terms of an existing contract between a contractor and another public agency, without further complying with the requirements of the city’s purchasing and contracting policies. This code applies to procurement of equipment and materials for this project.
The project contract is provided by National Purchasing Partners (NPP), which is a “Cooperative Purchasing” option for local municipalities. Cooperative Purchasing is procurement conducted by, or on behalf of, one or more Public Procurement Units as defined by the American Bar Association Model Procurement Code for State and Local Governments.
Ross Recreation holds a competitively solicited cooperative contract with NPP. Through cooperative purchasing, the City will receive discounted pricing for all park equipment and will benefit from consistent maintenance, inspection and warranty work from one provider with local representation in Napa. In addition to discounted equipment, the City will also receive the best price for shipping. This results in an efficient use of staff time and resources to address multiple high priorities, a decreased burden on the Capital Improvement Program budget provided by cost savings across equipment, delivery, and labor procurement, and a long-term sustainable solution to public infrastructure maintenance and risk management.
Napa Municipal Code 2.91.050: Procurement of Labor & Inspections
Under Napa Municipal Code 2.91.050, the City may enter into a contract for a “specialty item,” in accordance with this section, without further complying with the requirements of the city’s purchasing and contracting policies. This code applies to procurement of labor and inspections for this project.
The NPP contract includes a clause that permits clients to contract with Ross Recreation for installation services, site preparation, unloading of equipment upon delivery, safety audits and inspections. All of these services will be provided by qualified independent, third-party vendors and contractors who are vetted to provide the best cost for the City. The City will also receive efficient project implementation and quality deliverables for the community. Furthermore, these independent, qualified contractors are specialized in overseeing volunteer playground-builds which will support the City in involving residents in the various projects.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
There are no financial impacts. Sufficient funding for the project includes existing Measure G project appropriations from the Playground & Amenity Project (PK25PR02) and Park Shade Structures (PK25PR01) adopted in the current CIP Budget.
CEQA:
City staff recommends that the City Council determine that the Recommended Action is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(d), which exempts the restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated facilities, and 15303 which exempts new construction or conversion of small structures.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATCH 1 - Resolution
ATCH 2 - NPP Master Price Agreement
ATCH 3 - Equipment Renderings
NOTIFICATION:
Measure G Oversight Committee
Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission