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Mayor says $1 million federal grant and local funds committed for North Highland Park; residents press council on delay and transparency
Summary
Mayor told the council that $1 million in federal funding plus $300,000 in local funds have been secured for North Highland Park renovations and set a bid opening for Oct. 9; several public commenters said the project is delayed and accused leaders of lack of transparency and possible impropriety.
The Prattville mayor told the City Council that the North Highland Park renovation is funded in part by a $1 million federal award and that the city has committed an additional $300,000 from local funds; the new bid opening is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m.
Why this matters: North Highland Park is a community facility with sustained public interest; public commenters during the meeting criticized perceived delays and urged the council to act quickly and transparently. The mayor explicitly denied that the project delay was motivated by racial discrimination.
Details from the mayor: The mayor said he had worked with councilors and staff to secure $1 million in federal funding for the park and additional local commitments "plus two additional bathrooms" to be added to other parks (Low Pickett Park and Spinners Park). He described construction logistics and hurdles as typical for major capital projects and said bid opening is set for Oct. 9 at 10 a.m.
Public comment and concerns: Several speakers raised concerns. Reverend Dr. L. White II and other residents criticized the pace and transparency, characterizing the delay as an appearance-of-impropriety issue. One commenter urged a forensic audit and greater transparency in the budget process. Those speakers said they felt the project timeline and process had not been adequately explained to the public.
Council and staff response: The mayor reiterated that the project is not delayed for racial reasons and emphasized steps taken to secure federal funding and local budget commitments. No additional council action was recorded on the project during the meeting beyond the mayor's update and the Oct. 9 bid opening notice.
Ending: The mayor set the bid opening date and assured residents the city is addressing construction logistics; residents said they will continue to push for transparency and timely execution.
