City approves colour changes for new smart playground
By Mark Squibb/April 14, 2022
Mount Pearl has approved a new change order for the St. David’s Smart Accessible Playground. Change orders are typically prompted by the contractor as they encounter unforeseen project challenges — this change order however was prompted by the City, as a result of feedback from residents.
“It was identified that increasing the colour contrast between the structures and rubberized surface would increase safety, to ensure that persons with visual disabilities or impairments can see the structure elements such as steps, structure entrances, etc.,” explained councillor Isabelle Fry during last week’s meeting. “So, staff worked with the consultant to identify the least expensive option to effectively improve the contrast and maximize safety. Changing the colours of the structures, if done prior to ordering, would be at no extra materials cost, and there would be a consultant change order to TRACT for $862.50, HST included.”
The change order was actually approved back in February, when, in the interest of timing, said Fry, the Director of Infrastructure and Public Works and the CAO agreed to authorize the equipment colour change and the consultant change order on February 18.
Council’s duty was to ratify the decision, which they did so unanimously.
TRACT, the project consultant, is confirming with Modern Paving, the contractor, that the change order will result in no additional construction costs or delays.
Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley applauded the change.
“I think anytime we have an opportunity to make something more accessible, and listen to our consultants and community groups, it’s a great thing,” said Kieley.
The project has undergone a number of change orders, as council has added features such as ramps, ground-based activity panels, and an adult change table.
“While this project is overbudget, considering the low cost of this change order, the construction risk budget can be adjusted to absorb this expense and preserve the previous projection amount to council,” said Fry.
