Reimagining Parks

What’s happening at Founders Park? 

Our Commitment to Park Safety and Enjoyment 

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) is dedicated to providing a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for families visiting all of the parks which we are responsible for, including Founders Park. The department intends to make several improvements to Founders Park in the fall of 2025 to address safety, including the retaining wall, fencing, parking lot, and rubber safety surfacing.

A: Repair of Retaining Wall Leading to Play Structure

• Issue Identified: The retaining wall near the play structure is detaching from the pathway.  
• Improvement Action: Structural fortification of the wall will ensure continued safe access to the play structure, reinforcing stability and durability.

B: Installation of Additional Safety Fencing

• Issue Identified: Increased boundary containment around the playground is desired to enhance safety.
• Improvement Action: Installation of new safety fencing will better secure children within the play area, providing families with added peace of mind.

C: Repairs to Rubber Safety Surfacing

• Issue identified: The sand from the play area negatively impacts the rubber safety surfacing, compromising its protective and drainage qualities.
  1. Safety and Durability: Sand infiltration into the rubber surface fills cracks and crevices, reducing impact absorption and causing premature wear on the binder and topcoat granules.
  2. Structural Integrity: Sand creates gaps at the seams and edges, holds water in the surfacing layers, and leads to sagging or pulling, particularly during freeze-thaw cycles.
  3. Drainage and Hygiene: Sand disrupts the drainage system, allowing water retention, and potentially reducing safety over time.
• Improvement Action: Currently the department is exploring several options to repair and restore the surfacing’s impact absorption and drainage, this includes keeping the sand play area, if both the immediate and long-term safety concerns can be mitigated.

D: Parking Lot/Sidewalk Enhancements

• Issue Identified: As indicated by the departments Lifecycle Asset Management Plan, and inspections, the parking lot is due for resurfacing. Additionally, CCPR will be making repairs to sidewalks adjacent to the parking lot to further enhance safety and accessibility.
• Improvement Action: Planned upgrades will improve parking lot deterioration, accessibility, and safety for visitors.

Challenges with Sand Play Area

• Sanitation Concerns: Sand is difficult to clean and keep sanitary, posing challenges when animals or children have accidents in the area.
• Wildlife and Pest Attraction: The sand attracts animals and insects, including sand wasps, which can be intimidating for children and parents alike.
• Clogged Park Facilities: Sand often clogs essential facilities, including toilets, sinks, drinking fountains, floor drains, mop sinks, and the foot wash catch basin, which then require additional maintenance and resources.
• Migrating Sand: The sand frequently migrates, settling into piles around the playground, on top of features, and at the bottoms of slides, creating slip hazards and adding to maintenance needs.
• Wear and Damage: Constant sand abrasion wears down paint on playground features and complicates cleaning around picnic shelters and rocking chair areas.
• Impact on Surrounding Landscape: Sand also migrates into landscape beds, making it hard to remove and potentially impacting plant health due to soil imbalance.

Evaluation of Sand Play Options 

• Ongoing Exploration: CCPR is actively evaluating alternative solutions to balance play value and safety while addressing maintenance challenges.
• Future Considerations: Any potential changes will prioritize enhanced safety, reduced maintenance, and improved visitor satisfaction, ensuring that Founders Park remains a welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone.