Timber Framers Guild to help build Sankey Park bandstand; trail RFP to be issued

Sweet Home park staff told the Park Entry Committee on Aug. 20 that the city will issue a request for proposals for the Sankey Park trail system and advance a separate community-build process to construct a timber-framed bandstand. "Blake Patterson is helping me work on that because I've never done the RFPs," a staff member said, and the Timber Framers Guild has agreed to assist with the bandstand design and community build.

Committee members said the City Council already approved a special procurement to separate bidding for the bandstand from the trail solicitation, allowing staff to pursue the two procurements on different tracks. The staff member said an architect has offered to donate design time so the donated architectural services and any donated contractor time would count as in-kind match toward grant requirements.

The staff member said the Timber Framers Guild will provide a timeline and a community-build process after contract approval, and that the project likely will not be finished until next spring because the guild has other projects scheduled. The committee discussed the need to describe project funding and the city’s remaining match requirement clearly in public communications so residents understand whether match will be in cash or in-kind contributions.

Committee members asked about public outreach and when to publicize the project; staff said the city will wait until contracts and schedules are finalized before issuing a public announcement. The staff member said the guild will also offer classes and community activities tied to the build.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the design or procurement at the Aug. 20 meeting; staff said they will return to Council for contract approval after design selection. Committee members encouraged ongoing communication about funding, match needs and volunteer roles as the project moves forward.