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Council awards Lynnwood Springs Park Phase 1 contract after cost-cutting revisions; funding from multiple city accounts
Summary
Council approved a $5.539 million construction contract for Phase 1 of Lynnwood Springs Park after staff identified $1.56 million in post-bid savings by having city crews self-perform bridge repairs and grading; funds will come from water/sewer, stormwater, electric capital and GO bond accounts.
The Gastonia City Council unanimously approved a $5,539,383.34 award to Eaglewood Inc. for Phase 1 construction at Lynnwood Springs Park, moving forward with trails, parking expansion and utilities after staff reduced an initial low bid through targeted scope adjustments.
The project originally drew a low bid of $7,089,327.94 when the second advertising produced four bidders; staff and the low bidder then worked to identify scopes the city could perform internally. City crews will refurbish and upgrade seven existing cart-path bridges and perform grading for an expanded parking area; those tasks reduced the contractor's scope by roughly $1.56 million. Staff estimated the city's cost to self-perform the removed items at up to $500,000, resulting in net taxpayer savings versus the original bid.
Council heard details from Director of Engineering and Parks & Recreation staff: the contract covers roughly 3,625 linear feet of multi-use walking path, 3,400 linear feet of internal park roadway, 30 RV campsites with full utility hookups, upgraded park restrooms and site lighting (about 97 poles). Paving of the expanded parking lot and the vehicular bridge remain in the general contractor's scope. Water, sewer and electric service included in the bid will also serve future park phases.
Staff outlined the proposed funding mix: eligible water and sewer items will be paid from the enterprise fund, electrical elements from the electrical capital fund, stormwater features from the stormwater fund and the balance from the general obligation (GO) bond/geo bond appropriation. The city noted a prior NC Parks & Recreation Trust Fund grant of $500,000 that will remain part of the park funding plan. Project completion is set at 270 calendar days following contract award.
Council members asked about short-term protection of already-installed amenities; Parks staff said playgrounds, shelters and some features were fenced and monitored during construction and that staff would continue site care. Staff also confirmed RV sites would be concrete-paved pads with full hookups; early revenue estimates for the RV program were discussed as supplemental operating income but not relied on for debt service.
The council approved the award unanimously and directed staff to finalize a contract and proceed on the construction schedule.
Ending note: The Phase 1 buildout completes key grant requirements and will position the city to apply for a second state park grant for future amenities.
