Parks Board approves $115K change order for Riverside project completion

During the recent Board of Parks and Recreation meeting in Indianapolis, significant discussions centered around the approval of a final change order for a major project at Riverside Park. The Board is set to authorize a change order with Myers Construction Management for a total of $115,492, marking the conclusion of an extensive $11 million project that has been in progress for over a year.

Chad Arnold from Myers Construction highlighted that this change order is the fourth and final adjustment needed to close out the project, which spans 150 acres. The project is scheduled to officially open on May 1, 2025. Arnold explained that the change order reflects a modest 1% increase in the overall contract cost, primarily due to two significant issues encountered during construction.

One major challenge involved the installation of detention basins designed to manage stormwater. These basins, intended to prevent standing water around park amenities, initially failed to drain properly due to a clay layer obstructing water infiltration. To resolve this, additional excavation and stone filling were required at multiple sites, leading to increased costs.

Another significant issue was the proliferation of invasive thistle on the site. Arnold noted that the aggressive nature of this plant necessitated a long-term chemical treatment plan, which will involve ongoing management over three years to ensure it does not overrun the park's landscaping.

Additionally, the project included modifications to parking lot access to improve traffic flow during events, as well as the completion of utility connections for restroom facilities, which had previously relied on wells and septic systems. The complexity of these utility permits added to the overall project costs.

In summary, the Board's approval of this change order is crucial for the successful completion of the Riverside Park project, addressing both environmental management and visitor experience enhancements. As the project nears its opening date, the community can anticipate a well-prepared recreational space that meets modern standards for safety and accessibility.