Concord council narrows Dave Phillips Park plan, flags nearly $2 million bond shortfall

Concord City Council on Thursday approved moving forward with a pared-down design for Dave Phillips Park and instructed staff to advertise the remaining items as bid alternates after staff outlined updated bond estimates and project timelines.

Council members said the change would preserve the core project while giving the council discretion to add value-engineered items back later if funding allows. Staff presented a monthly spreadsheet showing current bond estimates, prior city-funded commitments and encumbrances, and an available balance that has narrowed after design-phase cost updates.

City staff said the bond program is funded by a $60 million general obligation authorization but noted other city funds already budgeted for some projects are not part of that bond total. Jessica, a city staff member who presented the spreadsheet, told council that the total program including previously budgeted city funds stands at “almost $75,000,000” and that the portion to be covered by the $60 million bond is close to $2,000,000 short of current estimates. She explained the $3.7 million figure tied to Dave Phillips Park represents the additional amount needed to finish the project under current assumptions after accounting for design costs already spent; the park’s current bond estimate is listed at $3.8 million.

Sheila, representing Parks and Recreation, outlined a package of potential cost reductions and noted two items were to remain removed from the base project while other features would be identified as bid alternates for later council consideration. Councilmembers emphasized that alternates should give the city flexibility to finish multiple park projects rather than exhaust funds on a single site.

Staff also described timing for issuing a second round of bonds and cautioned that market conditions when bonds are sold could affect available funding. Sheila said projects currently in design and near bidding — including Hartsell Park, the Academy athletic fields, and the skatepark/pump track — had timelines that might shift so construction crews would not disrupt youth sports schedules. Council requested that large optional items be presented as bid alternates so council could choose which to restore if funds permit.

The action preserves the base Dave Phillips scope for bidding but defers final decisions on a group of higher-cost items until bids are received and the council can evaluate the alternates.

Council members said they remained concerned about the near-term funding gap and asked staff to return cost comparisons and clearer line items as they proceed to bid documents. The council did not authorize additional bond funding at the meeting.

Looking ahead, staff said a pair of public update meetings for all bond projects will be advertised with yard signs, social media and at parks and centers to brief residents on construction timelines and allow questions.