Anonymous donor wants to build port playground

An anonymous donor has proposed building a playground at the Port of Brookings Harbor. Pilot file photo

And port commissioners are willing to consider the offer.

“I think it has merit, but you have to do some homework,” said port commissioner Jim Relaford.

Brookings electrician Tim Stadelman, acting as a representative of the donor, introduced the idea to the commissioners during their regular Tuesday meeting.

“There are no playgrounds in Harbor,” Stadelman said.

The location proposed by Stadelman’s client puts the playground near along Lower Harbor Road near the port’s retail area (see photo illustration on Page 12A).

The 8,000-square-foot parcel is an ideal location due to the existing parking area, high visibility (for attracting visitors) and access to restrooms, Stadelman said.

The donor has offered to pay for a five-year lease on the land, work with community groups to build the playground, and then release ownership of the playground to the port when the lease expires.

“We have about a third of the funding we need to build this playground,” Stadelman said on Friday.

The nautically-themed playground is estimated to cost about $50,000 to build. If the lease is approved, Stadelman hopes to see the park completed by the end of 2011, he said.

Port commissioners on Tuesday suggested a second possible location: near the Beachfront RV Park, to enhance the camping experience for families.

The commercial value of the land where Stadelman wants to locate the playground is of some concern.

“It’s right on the road,” said Port Commissioner Jim Relaford said. “That’s a prime piece of land.”

The playground location near the retail shops would bring in more business, attracting more families to the area as well as filling the need for a playground in Harbor, Stadelman said.

“We’re not locked into this location,” he said. “We’re open to suggestions.”

The playground concept submitted to the commission features a play boat and lighthouse, along with traditional swing and climbing structures.

Artist sketch of proposed playground. Submitted by Tim Stadelman

Commissioners’ other concerns included the relative advantages or disadvantages of several different locations, liability and security.

“These are issues that can be addressed,” Relaford said.

Commissioners voiced their support of the idea and indicated their willingness to consider the idea.

“Who can say they are a against a playground?” Relaford asked.

The commissioners asked Stadelman to meet with Port Manager Ted Fitzgerald to work out concerned voiced by the commissioners.

Stadelman said anyone who wants more information or to make a donation to efforts to bring a playground to Harbor may call him at  541-469-4385.