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Council approves $155,600 contract to study East Addison trail and future use of finance property
Summary
The council approved a professional-services agreement with Dunaway Associates to develop conceptual designs and public engagement for a trail through East Addison, including options for a boardwalk at Prestonwood Pond and recommendations for the future of the town’s finance department property; staff estimates a six-month study timeline.
The Addison City Council on Jan. 14 authorized a professional services agreement with Dunaway Associates LLC not to exceed $155,600 to prepare conceptual designs, community engagement and cost estimates for a proposed East‑West trail from Montfort/Prestonwood to Wynnewood Park and to evaluate options for the future use of the town’s finance department property.
Janet Tidwell, director of parks and recreation, said the trail concept traces back to the townwide trails master plan adopted in 2021 and reflects repeated public interest in better East‑West pedestrian connectivity and opportunities to experience nature. “One of the biggest things that we heard from our community is East Addison and West Addison is disconnected,” Tidwell said. The proposed study will produce two conceptual alternatives, renderings, an opinion of probable cost and a community engagement package (recorded presentation and open‑house facilitation).
Tidwell said the scope focuses on a Phase 1 connection from Town Hall east to Wynnewood Park (the lower‑cost, “low‑hanging fruit” segment) and will identify where more complex measures such as boardwalks would be needed across Prestonwood Pond or other wet areas. The consultant’s work will include a stakeholder process, an interactive open house and a final report with recommended implementation steps and cost estimates.
Several councilmembers emphasized that public input should prioritize neighbors most affected by the alignment; staff said the outreach plan will use a mix of digital tools, community events and direct mail where appropriate. Tidwell estimated the study will take roughly six months.
Public comment on the same agenda included a resident, Robert Kantner, who voiced concerns about earlier trail proposals crossing near Wynwood Park and asked whether town-owned finance property might instead be used for single‑family residential development; he also questioned a proposed $150,000 study cost. Tidwell replied that the adopted trail master plan identified the connection and that the study is intended to refine alignment and public input before any design or land acquisition decisions.
Council vote: the motion to approve the Dunaway agreement passed unanimously.
Next steps: staff will finalize a consultant schedule, conduct stakeholder outreach, and return to council with preferred concept and implementation recommendations and cost estimates.
