Sankey Park Phase 3 construction bid exceeds budget by over $376K

The Park & Tree Committee of Sweet Home, Oregon, convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding local park projects, particularly focusing on the challenges faced with the Sankey Park Phase 3 development.

During the meeting, committee members reviewed the construction bids and engineering costs for the Sankey Park project. The original estimated project cost was approximately $2.95 million, with a grant covering 60% of the expenses. However, the latest bid revealed a total cost of $553,644.80, significantly exceeding initial estimates and leaving the city responsible for $376,564. This unexpected increase has raised concerns about the feasibility of moving forward with the project, as the city had initially budgeted only $118,000.

Committee members discussed potential strategies to address the funding gap, including exploring different funding options and possibly phasing the project to manage costs more effectively. Staff emphasized the importance of maintaining a good reputation with grant funders while seeking solutions to proceed without jeopardizing the existing grant.

The committee acknowledged the broader context of rising construction costs and supply chain issues affecting many projects, which have contributed to the current financial challenges. As a result, the committee indicated that no new park projects would be initiated until the situation with Sankey Park is resolved.

In conclusion, the committee is actively seeking solutions to navigate the funding challenges for the Sankey Park project while ensuring compliance with grant requirements. Further discussions with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) are planned to explore viable options for moving forward.