Megan Navarro
WIMBERLEY — At its Oct. 16 meeting, Wimberley City Council approved a Request for Proposals (RFP) to update the playground at Martha Knies Community Park, as well as the construction of a stage at Oak Park.
Developed in 2001, Martha Knies Community Park sits on 1.2 acres in downtown Wimberley and is considered to be one of the most frequently-used neighborhood parks. However, according to interim parks director Erica Flocke, the existing playground equipment is showing its age of more than 15 years, with wear and tear, and no longer meets current accessibility or safety standards.
“Staff is requesting authorization to issue a formal Request for Proposals for the design and installation of new playground equipment at this park,” Flocke said. “The new playground will focus on nature-inspired elements that reflect Wimberley’s character, ADA-compliant surfacing and play structures for inclusive play, as well as durable, low-maintenance materials to ensure longevity and reduce repair costs.”
The estimated project cost is up to $250,000, which includes equipment, site preparation, surfacing and installation, Flocke said.
Council member Rebecca Minnick shared that when she was elected seven years ago, the city had already repaired the playground at Martha Knies Community Park multiple times, so she is “so happy this is happening.”
One of the playground examples that Flocke showed during her presentation featured a bird design, to which council member Bob Clark asked if that kind of architecture is found in the area because he has never seen anything like that.
“It’s pretty unique. I haven’t seen it either and I’ve worked in parks in the Woodlands; I worked for a while in West Texas and I’ve never seen a playground like this before. So, I think a design like this would be really unique to our area,” the interim parks director explained.
Prior to the project being brought to council, it was reviewed, discussed and approved for council consideration by the Parks and Recreation Board during its September and October meetings.
Council unanimously approved the RFP for the playground upgrade at the park.
Additionally at the meeting, council unanimously approved for city staff to proceed with the construction of a stage at Oak Park, which has become one of our most active community spaces, hosting concerts and public events throughout the year, Flocke explained. In order to support the events hosted there, staff obtained quotes for a 10 foot by 20 foot open air stage that will be one foot tall, as well as ADA accessible.
The bids range from approximately $11,000 to $26,000 when they collected them, with most falling around $15,000, she continued.
This item was reviewed and discussed by the Parks and Recreation Board at its October meeting. Following discussion, the board voted to recommend approval of the project with the following conditions:
• Utilize composite, or Trex, materials in place of concrete where feasible
• Match the design and aesthetics of existing park facilities
• Return at a later date with options for adding a cover or canopy to the stage
City administrator Tim Patek said that he will discuss with Flocke to get the pricing of the stage, as well as the vendor booths at Oak Park, for rentals; he also reminded council that those proceeds would go back to the Parks and Recreation Department.
Council will meet next Thursday, Nov. 6.
