Park’s Playground to Be Finished Soon

Construction on a new park playground inspired by a little girl’s wish should be completed by late June, according to city officials.

The start of the project has been delayed by a mix-up in the bidding process.

The Tonight Show Children’s Playground will be built in Johnny Carson Park adjoining NBC Studios, largely the work of resident Claire Berger. Berger, responding to the wish of her 5-year-old daughter, led a campaign last year to build the playground.

Two weeks ago, the Burbank City Council rescinded an earlier contract after discovering a different low bidder, Los Angeles Engineering, said Mary J. Alvord, parks and recreation director. That firm’s bid was $54,995 for the project. Officials said the earlier apparent low bid was not on the playground as specified by the city.

Parks and Recreation officials met with the new contractor Monday, setting May 10 as a tentative date to start construction. A dedication ceremony could be held in late June, Alvord said.

Berger raised $30,150 for the playground, mostly by soliciting large donations from sources such as “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, who gave $15,000, and Walt Disney Studios and NBC Studios, which gave $5,000 each. Smaller donations had been collected from neighbors and local businesses. The city also provided a matching grant of $30,000 from its Adopt-a-Park program.

“There’ll be some fun stuff,” Alvord said. The playground, made of 25% recycled plastics, will take about a month to build.

She said another $4,000 to $5,000 will be spent for a bench that will name everyone who donated to build the park.