Deputy County Manager Chris Boyd told the Haywood County Board of Commissioners on June 2 that Appalachian Site Work Incorporated submitted the lowest responsive, responsible bid of $1,326,391.50 to complete construction at Raccoon Creek Backpark.

Boyd said four firms submitted bids that ranged from about $1.3 million to $2.3 million and that Appalachian Site Work is known to county staff from prior projects. The contract covers asphalt and concrete work, a pavilion with restrooms, water and sewer connections, lot grading, bioretention (bio‑retention) construction and fire‑hydrant work. Boyd said playground equipment and installation are excluded from this bid and will be procured separately from a specialty vendor after site work is complete.

Boyd said the contractor expected to mobilize in June and start work that month; he estimated completion around the end of the calendar year, possibly extending into early next year, with the park intended to be open in spring following construction. He noted the bid specification includes a 90‑day construction window for certain scopes but added that actual scheduling depends on lead times for equipment and coordination among subcontractors.

Commissioners praised the park as a county asset and noted public interest in using the facility once construction is complete. Commissioner comments referenced prior investments at Allens Creek Park and noted the county secured a gate and final fencing to secure the Raccoon Creek site during construction.

The board voted unanimously to approve the bid award, the manager’s authorization to execute related documents, and a budget amendment of $850,000 using interest earnings to cover part of the project funding.

Speakers: Chris Boyd, Deputy County Manager, presented the award; county commissioners discussed scheduling and anticipated public use.