Oviedo staff: OSC trail connector project stalled awaiting state "notice to proceed"

The Oviedo Recreation and Parks Advisory Board heard an update on the OSC Trail Connector RTP grant, and staff said work cannot start until the state issues a formal "notice to proceed." Paul, a staff member presenting the item, told the board the city has ordered benches, paving tables and a pavilion and that the selected contractor "is ready to go" but remains in a holding pattern.

Why it matters: The trail would link King Kelly Park to the eastern entrance of OSC and is a locally funded project tied to a competitive RTP grant. Delays at the state level could increase costs if the contractor remains idle while prices rise.

City staff said the project is paused because the state grant manager overseeing the project left and a replacement is being filled. "We still not have we have not received the notice of proceed from the state," Paul said. He said the city was told a replacement was selected about three weeks earlier and that staff expected the notice "any day now." Paul added the trail's design consultant remains committed to finishing the work despite internal transitions and that meetings will be done virtually until staff can schedule in-person visits.

The presentation did not include a firm new start date. Board members asked no follow-up questions about contract terms or contingency steps during the public meeting. The city did not report any formal budget change or vote tied to the update.

The staff presentation noted concern that further delay could "escalate the cost with the tariffs that have been going on and everything else," and that the city has already purchased amenities and encumbered the new pavilion. The board received the update as information; no formal action was taken.