Costs Stall Phase II of Courtney's SandCastle

all-access playground has hit a snag; despite fundraising efforts and in-kind donations, there isn't enough cash on-hand to pay for the lowest construction bidder.

Part of the playground is already built and usable. The cost overruns are from Phase II of the project, which will add water features and other equipment.

The bids ranged from $460,000 to almost $1.2 million, "significantly higher" than hoped, according to the staff report.

The report suggests that council reject all bids so the subcommittee and non-profit working to raise funds can collect more donations and staffers can work with the design firm to "value engineer" the park.

This means forgoing some equipment that could be added later, making some elements like the water features and concrete designs less elaborate.

The committee working on the playground has raised about $175,000 in funds and $25,000 through in-kind services.

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Phase I of the project was paid for by the city and rolled into the construction of the new La Pata-Vista Hermosa sports park. That phase added play structures, including a giant outdoor xylophone and a sandbox.

Phase II will include water attractions and a “sensory garden,” a fountain composed of a large granite ball with water flowing over it that children can touch, and a fountain with different buttons and switches that activate various patterns of spray.

Also planned is an artificial tide pool under a large shade structure will house replica tide pool flora and fauna. Kids will be able to hit switches that will control the water levels.

All these features are designed to stimulate children with different disabilities—from blindness to autism—and also to excite their able-bodied friends who play alongside them.

The San Clemente City Council will decide what to do during its meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers, 100 Ave. Presidio.