Parker council awards $25.1 million construction contract for Salisbury Regional Park Phase 1; total budget set at $26.36 million

Parker, Colo. — The Parker Town Council on Aug. 18 approved awarding the Salisbury Regional Park Phase 1 construction contract to JHL Constructors after the town received five sealed bids. The low conforming bid was $25,101,829.19; staff recommended and the council approved a 5% owner’s contingency of $1,255,091 and a total project budget of $26,356,920.19.

Brett Collins, presenting the item for Parks and Recreation staff, summarized the project and procurement process. Collins said the town acquired 91 acres north of the existing Salisbury ball fields in February 2009 and approved a master plan in February 2014. The phase 1 site plan approved earlier in 2025 covers a 45-acre park expansion that includes two synthetic-turf, lighted multiuse fields; four lighted natural-grass baseball/softball fields with covered bleachers; shaded playground; batting cages; connection to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail; parking; restrooms; and supporting utilities and tap fees.

Collins said staff prequalified six general contractors and received five competitive sealed bids on Aug. 4. "The lowest conforming bid was JHL Constructors at $25,101,829.19," Collins said. He estimated construction would begin in September and be complete by August 2026, subject to typical construction uncertainties such as weather.

Councilmembers asked about budgeting and contingency use. Collins said the town budgeted $36,250,000 for the project in its 2025 budget, including taps, testing and contingency; after accounting for the accepted bid and related costs the town has an estimated remaining balance of $8,224,182. Collins told the council that the 5% owner’s contingency is an "owner-held contingency" and, if unused, will be applied to phase 2 or carried forward to future phases. When asked whether the town financed the project, Collins said the town saved for the park over roughly 11 years and is not using debt for construction.

Multiple councilmembers and a member of the public spoke in support of the project, citing the community need for additional fields and recreation amenities. A public commenter said the new park will provide tournament capacity and additional fields for Douglas County teams. Council discussion noted that bids came in substantially under earlier conservative estimates and that staff will evaluate accelerating future phases with the budget surplus.

The council moved, seconded and approved the staff recommendation to award the construction contract to JHL Constructors and adopt the project budget on a recorded motion. Staff said funds to cover the construction cost are available in the 2025 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Fund and that the owner’s contingency will be retained outside the contract for unforeseen expenses.

Next steps for the project include executing the construction contract, mobilizing the contractor, and beginning construction activities as scheduled. Staff will return if the contingency needs to be increased or if scope changes are proposed that require council approval.