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Dunley Park splash pad project on hold; CDBG funds may be repurposed after contract lapsed and costs rose
Summary
Council heard that the planned Dunley Park splash pad and $55,000 in CDBG funds are on hold while city staff weigh building and funding priorities; officials said the original contractor quote (~$340,000) has lapsed and current estimates approach $1 million due to inflation and tariffs.
The planned splash pad at Dunley Park and a $55,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation are on hold while North College Hill staff assess project feasibility and competing funding priorities, City Administrator Miss Duxton told council Monday.
The pause matters because the city must decide whether to repurpose the CDBG allocation by late June or proceed with the splash pad before quotes and contracts expire.
Councilwoman Miss Orme asked for an update on “the status of the splash pad at Dunley Park and the $55,000 of CDBG grant funds.” City Administrator Miss Duxton replied the splash‑pad project is currently tabled while staff determine whether remaining resources and other project needs make the splash pad feasible. “The Splash Park is on hold as is the CDBG dollars,” Duxton said, noting staff could repurpose the grant funds for the building if necessary.
Duxton and council members said the original vendor quote — approximately $340,000 — is no longer available because the contract lapsed; updated estimates have risen substantially. “The original quote was around $340,000. That cost has since tripled since we did not move on it in that timing,” Duxton said, adding that current estimates are just under $1 million and could increase further with tariffs and material cost changes.
Council members expressed concern about timing and asked whether a public meeting could be scheduled before the June deadline to discuss repurposing funds. Duxton said staff will bring the matter to the Budget & Finance committee on May 12 and pursue additional quotes to try to reduce costs, but stressed the need to confirm other financing before committing the CDBG allocation.
There was no council vote on the splash pad Monday. Administration said it will pursue cost alternatives and report back to council; if the city elects to repurpose CDBG funds, staff must complete required processes and notify residents within the grant rules and county timelines.
