Parker Town Council approves competitive proposal method for Salisbury Regional Park expansion

The Parker Town Council convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss a significant resolution regarding the expansion of Salisbury Regional Park, the largest park in the area. The council is considering a new contracting method aimed at ensuring the project is completed efficiently and effectively, reflecting the community's needs.

Chris Hudson, representing the town manager, outlined the complexities of the park's expansion, which includes over 80 acres of new parkland. The proposed resolution seeks to allow the town to select contractors through a competitive proposal process rather than the traditional bidding method. This approach is designed to expedite the selection of qualified contractors who specialize in large park projects, ensuring that the town can manage the intricacies of the expansion more effectively.

The council discussed the benefits of this method, noting that it has not been used for park projects in the last 25 years, although similar processes have been applied to other significant town projects. Council members expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing the importance of bringing in experienced teams to minimize disruptions for park users during construction.

The resolution aims to streamline the contractor selection process, allowing the town to prequalify contractors who will then submit competitive bids. This strategy is expected to enhance project efficiency and ensure that the expansion meets the community's expectations.

As the council moves forward with this resolution, the focus remains on delivering a successful park expansion that will serve the residents of Parker for years to come. The next steps will involve soliciting qualifications from general contractors, with the hope of beginning construction later this year.