Three years ago, a set of new playground equipment arrived in American Canyon. But no child has yet had a chance to climb on, through or around the stuff, as the city can't find someone to install it for what it considers a reasonable price.

The American Canyon Parks and Community Services Commission has grown increasingly frustrated as the equipment sits unused in the city's corporation yard. The equipment, which was purchased for $66,600 in 2003, , according to city records, is supposed to be installed at Bentley, Bedford, Elliott, and Melvin parks.

The city tried to hire a contractor this summer to install the new climbing equipment, build a new bus stop and add a section of a bike trail. But the sole bid submitted to the city came in at $543,000 -- more than $240,000 over budget. It was rejected, according to the city's public works department.

The city had sought bid previously, but also decided the price was too high.

At a meeting last week, Parks and Community Services commissioners complained about the delays.

"We're not getting anything done," Parks and Community Services Chairman Matthew Plate.

American Canyon Public Works Director Robert Weil said he has had to devote his department's limited resources to more pressing needs, such as dangerous roads and the city's water system.

"These are things we just have to do," Weil said.

"In this growing community, the health and safety projects actually have taken precedence over the recreation and parks project."

Plate, however, noted that kids could get hurt, for instance, by stepping into holes on the city's soccer fields.

Weil said the city will seek new bids this fall to install the equipment. The city will prepare two bid packages with several city projects in each to attract more contractors.

The playground work will include removing sand from the older playgrounds, installing ramps and building sidewalks.