Commission approves large red paver, hears Village Green construction update

The Wildwood Parks and Recreation Commission approved a red 8-by-16 paver as the large option for the Village Green commemorative brick program and was briefed on construction progress and a pending Ameren change order.

Commission members voted to select the large red paver after staff presented samples and explained that City Council on May 12 raised the program's sale prices. "They increased all of your suggested amounts," said Chris, department director, "so it's what it is." The council set the smallest brick at $260, the midsize at $300 and the largest at $400, and staff said the pricing includes a 25% fluctuation clause to cover future material-cost increases.

The vote to approve the large red paver carried (motion to pick the red large paver; mover: Karen; second: Debbie; tally: 5 yes), and commissioners instructed staff to proceed with website set-up and marketing once all color samples and website materials are ready. Staff said the chosen vendor will provide a full ordering website, and unsold bricks will be represented in the installation area by blank pavers until purchasers are identified; the commission also agreed to keep extra pavers on hand for replacements.

At the meeting, staff also updated the commission on Village Green construction. Work is progressing on steps, boulders and the outer ring of the oval, but progress has been delayed by weather and utility coordination. "That change order is going to city council on Monday night," Chris said of a contract amendment with Ameren, Missouri to underground electrical lines that define the boundary between City Hall and the Village Green. Approval of that change order, staff said, would clear a major path toward finishing landscaping and lighting.

Commissioners pressed staff on procurement: one member asked whether the brick vendor selection followed a competitive process. Staff replied that the same vendor had worked on the earlier Old Pond School memorial program, that a competitive bid was used for Old Pond School, and that the vendor's ability to provide a hosted ordering system and design support weighed into the recommendation.

The commission was told construction remains on a tight timeline for September events and that staff will provide updates and a run-through before the ticketed events. Staff said they are preparing plan B contingency layouts in case weather or construction delays persist.

Commissioners and staff emphasized the fundraising purpose: bricks are meant to help offset substantial capital investment at Village Green, which includes a multi-million-dollar Phase I construction and a planned separate playground.

Looking ahead, staff will return with exact go-live dates for the memorial brick website and updated construction timelines once the Ameren change order is decided.