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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – APRIL 18, 2016 9 Councilmember Wicklund stated he is in favor of fixing up all of the playgrounds as they are a reflection of who we are as a city. Councilmember Holden stated she has received complaints about the type of equipment at the parks as kids get bored. She would like to leave the equipment but replace the wooden borders. Mayor Grant agreed, stating that the wood dates the area. He also said he would not want to go past 20 years for replacement as that could be asking for trouble. Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated there could be a timing issue as well because once the TCAAP parks are created, too many parks could end up on the same replacement cycle. Councilmember McClung said that play structures are generally geared toward certain age ranges and wanted to know if they make play structures that target certain age groups. Councilmember Wicklund suggested that the Council consider creating a park in the TCAAP area that gives people something to talk about. He referenced his childhood and that everyone wanted to go to Central Park. He said it may be interesting to develop a park that is bigger than the others. Councilmember McClung suggested developing a plan that offers basic play structures for traditional ages at each park and then determining which parks could offer additional amenities. Mayor Grant said he would like more information pertaining to concrete versus wood and their associated costs and life expectancy. Acting Public Works Director Anderson pointed out that if the wood is replaced with concrete at a park that is later scheduled for playground structure replacement and the layout is somewhat different, the concrete may need to be removed again, which would not be cost effective. Councilmember Holden asked what happens to the used playground equipment. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that used equipment can be resold through auction or donated. He noted that the used playground equipment from Valentine Park was donated to a church. Mayor Grant concurred, stating that the used play structure was donated to a church in Pelican Rapids and installed near an apartment complex in a populated area of town. Councilmember Holmes questioned whether or not the City should continue to use Miracle Recreation as their vendor. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that it appears the Council would like to move forward with replacement of the Perry Park play structure and that he should consider different vendors in the future. He said he will bring this information back to the Council at a future work session.