Installation of Othello playground to begin

OTHELLO — The long-running project to build a new playground and expanded basketball courts in Othello’s Lions Park should be completed by this fall.

“We’re going to have (a playground) this year,” said Othello Mayor Shawn Logan Tuesday. Othello City Council members approved a contract for about $289,900 with PMOW LLC, Auburn, for site work and landscaping. City Engineer Shawn O’Brien said city officials already have purchased the playground equipment.

“(The PMOW contract) will prepare the area, both where the playground equipment will go and the concrete sidewalk that will surround it, and the landscaping outside that,” O’Brien said.

Logan said the contractor has 20 days to start the work, and 50 days after that to finish it. It’s the second phase of the three-phase playground project, Logan said; installation is the final phase.

Othello council members awarded the bid for the new basketball courts May 22, adding the option of lights that can be adjusted to light up two or all four courts.

“I’m so excited to see those basketball courts. And to play on them,” said council member Jon Erickson.

The playground project first was discussed in 2019, with the city applying for and receiving grants to pay for the bulk of the project. The coronavirus pandemic delayed design and construction, and costs increased in the meantime.

City officials initially received about $1.1 million in grants from the state Recreation and Conservation Office, along with about $100,000 in city funds and some local donations. The city also received about $600,000 in the Washington Senate capital budget, requested by 15th District Senator Nikki Torres.

Council members also voted to allocate funds from the city’s American Rescue Plan (ARPA) appropriation to pay for portions of the project. The basketball court lighting will add about $118,000 to the total cost of the basketball courts and will be paid for through ARPA funds.

“We overcame all those obstacles,” Logan said.

The new “Lions Pride” playground will include new swings and climbing bars. The park will be set up in two sections, one for children five years of age and younger, with toys for babies and toddlers, the second for children six years of age and older. There are special toys for children with limited mobility. The playground will have additional benches, picnic tables and trees, as well as sidewalks and walking paths.

“The community is going to have this playground for decades to come,” Logan said.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.

P(L)aying the bill:

Rec & Conservation: $1.1M

City of Othello: $100,000

State budget: $600,000

American Rescue Plan: $118,000