Idlewild Park Playground Renovation

New transportation- themed playground at Idlewild Park

Idlewild Park, 10300 W. 14th Pl., received a new playground in 2020!

In December 2019, a request for proposals to renovate the playground at Idlewild Park
resulted in nine proposals for consideration from five playground vendors. Proposals varied in terms of size, components, and play activities that would best fit within the concrete curb that defines the play area. Vendors were requested to provide transportation-themed designs to reflect the integration of trains, bicycles, and cars into the community located along Colfax Avenue -the longest main street in America! All proposals addressed the need to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, including the removal of the existing pea gravel and installation of surfacing appropriate for wheelchair accessibility.

After review, staff selected four options for resident’s consideration. Criteria used to compare the
submittals included the following:

• Meeting the budget allocated for all work required including removing the existing equipment
  and installing new equipment and surfacing.
• Providing play equipment that meets safety requirements established by the U.S. Consumer
  Product Safety Commission and the Handbook for Public Playground Safety.
• Providing a variety of play structures and components encouraging activities suitable for
  multiple age groups.

The Idlewild Park playground renovation is funded in part by a Neighborhood Participation Program (NPP) grant submitted by the Eiber Neighborhood Association and approved by Lakewood City Council. NPP gives community organizations a chance to submit an application to receive city funding for small-scale projects they believe would make a difference in improving their neighborhoods. Learn more at Lakewood.org/NPP.

Additional funding was also secured by the City of Lakewood through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to add accessibility improvements. CDBG provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate- income persons. Visit Lakewood.org/CDBG to learn more.