Playground purchase could lead to court action

LAKE CITY — Rainbow Play Systems — it sounds so friendly. But for Missaukee County, an encounter with the playground equipment distributor has led to legal confrontation.

The county parks department had saved for several years to purchase a playscape for Crooked Lake Park, according to Larry Richardson, parks director.

Last September, he ordered a system from Easy Living Superstore in Traverse City and gave them a check for $7,600, which was considered payment in full. Originally, the equipment was to be delivered for set up later in the fall, but store owner Eric Doll asked whether the project could be delayed until spring, according to Richardson.

“I didn’t see a problem with that,” he said.

It soon became apparent to Richardson Easy Living was a company in trouble. Doll failed to come through on several promises to secure the equipment. Richardson contacted the downstate manufacturer who he learned severed ties with Easy Living. Rainbow worked with the county and finally made an offer to help the county receive their playscape, although they had no obligation to do so.

“If we can come up with $4,000, we can receive it (the equipment) from the Novi plant,” Richardson told county commissioners. “For $150, he (Rainbow representative) will drive it here and deliver it by the 22nd of this month. At $12,385 with shipping, it is still less than retail.”

Commissioners approved spending the additional money for the playground and then pursued the matter further. Richardson suggested the county investigate the possibility of filing a civil suit against Doll.

“This seems like a horrible scam,” he said. “We traveled down the legal roads and this is where we are.”

For children who visit the park, there will be a happy ending. The playscape has been ordered and should be assembled by July 4.

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