Pender County commissioners on Nov. 3 approved a purchase order and related documents to replace corroded playground equipment at Hampstead Kiwanis Park after a string of public speakers pressed the board to remove the current structure from service and install a new, coastal-grade unit.

Staff told the board the existing playground, installed around 2005, is deteriorating, with corrosion occurring beneath painted surfaces. The county sought an outside review from the county association's risk manager and identified several elements that present safety concerns. Staff recommended replacement rather than spot repairs and proposed procurement through a cooperative purchasing contract to reduce costs and shorten turnaround time. The recommended manufacturer offers a "coastal package" (a thicker powder coat) intended to hold up better in salt-air conditions.

Multiple residents of Hampstead addressed the board during the public-comment period, presenting a petition (organizers said it had more than 500 signatures) and asking for a fully accessible playground with shade, benches, water bottle fill stations and a splash pad. Speakers described broken components, corroded internal supports and incidents that required emergency response; several said they had stopped bringing toddlers to the equipment because of visible hazards. Some speakers said the county had recommended replacement as early as 2020 and that a prior splash-pad petition had gathered nearly 1,000 signatures but was delayed by the pandemic.

Commissioners approved the purchase order by voice vote. Staff said the proposed replacement will sit within the existing footprint to reduce site work, and earlier repairs (such as replacement of support members in 2023) have not prevented further failures. Staff also said they will meet with the Kiwanis Park organization (which holds some signage/concession rights) to discuss partnership and fundraising options; Kiwanis representatives indicated they plan to continue fundraising for park needs. Staff noted that a full project budget and schedule will be finalized under the procurement process.

Following the approval, commissioners and staff discussed complementary measures residents requested, such as improved restroom maintenance and park surveillance cameras. Staff said they will follow up with the Kiwanis organization and report back on partnerships and potential grant opportunities.

Speakers: multiple Hampstead residents and parents who presented petitions and photos; staff presented vendor information and the procurement path. The approved purchase order directs staff to proceed with procurement and return with the finalized contract and schedule.

The board's action funds a one-time capital replacement; staff said this is not a recurring operating expense. Commissioners asked staff to confirm vendor warranties and suitability for coastal conditions and to seek any available grants or partner funding before construction.