CITY OF BELVEDERE
PLAYGROUND REMODEL PROJECT REPORT

Dear Residents, Parents, and Supporters,

Thank you for your patience and commitment to the Playground Remodel Project. I am very happy to report that the playground has been partially reopened. The only remaining work items are the installation of the shade sails and the rubber play surface within the remodeled area. I am also glad to announce that the city recently received additional donations to finance the construction of the perimeter bench which had initially been cut from the project due to costs. We now expect the project to conclude under budget!

Based on the results of the testing performed on the play surface, summarized below, the City has authorized the contractor, McNabb Construction, to return to work so that we can fully reopen the playground as soon as possible. Our engineering department is now in communication with the contractor to arrange for materials and an updated work schedule.

Test Summary

As you are probably aware, some citizens raised concerns regarding the chemical composition of the rubber play matting in the renovated tots’ area of the playground. During the final approval process for the playground, the City decided to address these concerns by committing to not use recycled vehicle tire material within the cushion layer that lies under the rubber play surface. This is an uncommon specification for new playgrounds, and the contractor and staff experienced delays in locating a third-party supplier capable of providing this tire-free material for the underlayment—eventually, a vendor was located.

To verify this vendor’s claims that their product was not made from recycled vehicle tires, the City paid to have a sample of the underlayment rubber chemically evaluated at an independent lab. This testing was conducted in July and August. The results from the lab were then compared to recently published EPA reports showing the chemical composition and the concentrations of metals and other compounds commonly found in recycled rubber play fields throughout the US. These test results are available on the City’s website for review Click Here.

In summary, many of the metals and other compounds that are commonly found in recycled tire material were either not detectable or at significantly lower concentrations in the test samples from our vendor’s play undersurface. Most notably, concentrations of benzo (a) pyrene (a product in vehicle exhaust) and iron (from steel belts in tires) were not detectable in our product. Additionally, arsenic, copper, lead, nickel, and other chemicals, while not unique to recycled tires, were either not detected in the samples or were significantly lower than levels found in the play fields cited in recent EPA reports.

When reviewing the results from the lab’s tests, it is also important to note that the vendor’s new undersurface material will be coated with a polyurethane binder to fully encapsulate each chunk of rubber in the cushion layer. This material is then placed under a layer of virgin rubber so children will not come in direct contact with the underlayment. In order to upkeep this surface, the City has committed to following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance plan to reduce premature wear of the surface material and prolong the lifespan of the playground surface.

Conclusion

Based on these results and analysis, Staff has concluded that the vendor’s material meets the City’s and the Parks and Open Space Committee’s specifications. As the playground industry evolves and new, all-natural playground surfacing products become available, the City will find ways to integrate these products the next time the playground surface needs replacement.

Again, thank you for your patience; we look forward to getting our children back on the playground without further delay.

Sincerely,
Robert Zadnik
Belvedere City Manager