Arnaz Mini Park Rebuild Drops Butterfly Features as Costs Rise

A long-awaited playground replacement at Arnaz Mini Park is moving forward without two of the most visible features in the city's original design. At its Sept. 22, 2026 meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council approved an $83,985 purchase order for new play equipment and a full replacement of the playground's safety surface. The butterfly structures shown in the concept were left out of the contract.

That difference matters to families who saw the city's earlier rendering. The 7,500-square-foot neighborhood park at 151 N. Arnaz Drive has a playground of about 475 square feet. Its fire engine play structure was installed when the park was rededicated in 2008 and has reached the end of its useful life, according to the city's Sept. 22 staff report. The replacement design uses colorful cubes children can climb through and on.

The city sought bids on the butterfly structures as optional additions. Western State Builders priced the two at $39,941 each, or $79,882 together. Staff said those bids were roughly double its original estimate, citing higher aluminum and steel prices and tariffs on prefabricated pieces. The approved $69,985 construction contract instead consists of the $55,122 base bid plus $14,863 for full safety-surface replacement. A $14,000 contingency brings the authorized purchase order to $83,985. The record does not say whether the butterflies will be reconsidered later.

Vice Mayor Mary Wells pulled the item from the consent calendar to ask how soon residents would see the work.

"I just wanted to highlight this for the community that this restoration at Arnaz is in progress."

Project staff told the council that equipment lead times were about 10 to 12 weeks and described a possible finish around the end of December or early 2027. The written report estimates completion in early 2027 and gives the contractor 45 calendar days after a notice to proceed. That schedule depends on ordering and the start of work. The council approved the contract with four yes votes; Councilmember Lester Friedman was absent for the roll call.

The city has $143,250 in its broader playground-maintenance capital program, but the approved Arnaz purchase order covers the narrower scope. Residents expecting the butterfly structures should distinguish the concept rendering from the work the council funded.