The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department’s Board of Directors heard from Parks and Rec Director Roger Herring Monday evening, with regard to an engineer’s report on the condition of the Kiddie Korral Shelter at Sunnyside Park. Herring says the wooden shelter, which was built in the 1940’s is in dire need of repairs or, replacement, according to the engineer. Herring says it’ll take more than a coat of paint over the old, moldy wood, some of which has holes in it, to make the shelter ADA compliant and safe. The structure, he says, has major problems with its foundation. The stucco plaster corners are separating from the concrete slab, which has a major crack that’s a significant “trip hazard,” and runs at least half the distance of the shelter.

The crack cannot be fixed or caulked, according to Herring, and is a potential liability. And while the rafters and beams are solid, the roof decking is rotten and the shingles are at the end of their life expectancy. The engineer says the foundation has settled and at the two center posts on the southern side of the building are two-inches lower than the rest of the building. Removing and replacing the concrete slab would entail removal of the two-inch wall around the perimeter. He says to repair and replace the wall and foundation “Would not be cost effective.” The other issue Herring says, has to do with the building not being accessible to handicapped persons.

Herring presented a number of possible replacement structures that range in cost from $22,000 to $40,000. Those costs do not include the costs for the cement slab, labor, and other costs. The new structures, regardless of the materials they use, would be ADA compliant. Herring said the Kiddie Korral can be replaced with monies that are, and will be available, but it won’t be anytime soon.

Herring said he’s open to receiving donations for the shelter’s replacement, and if the donation is significant enough, the rights to name to building after an individual or group. And, as for the Camblin Shelter at Sunnyside, Herring said it is structurally sound, but could use a “facelift.” He mentioned also, that they are looking into refurbishing the other shelters in the park, as well.