Board approves low bid to build new Braine Park softball field

The Board of Public Works on April 14 approved a $266,139 low bid from Marwood Construction Services to construct a new softball field at Braine Park.

Justin Caspersen, parks and recreation director, told the board the project will replace the field surface and associated site elements. "We recommend accepting the Marrowood Construction low bid of $266,139," Caspersen said. The board approved the contract by voice vote.

The project scope includes replacement of the playing surface, concrete and asphalt work, dugouts, bleachers and benches, a backstop, grading and infield mix. A planned replacement of the field lights was removed because the cost was prohibitive, Caspersen said. The budget for this specific phase is $295,000 and includes architectural and engineering services and direct purchases such as benches, trash cans and bleachers.

Caspersen said the 2024–25 budgets include the Braine Park field. The project was bid last year but bids exceeded the budget. Additional funding for the current bid round came from the room tax fund and a grant from Wood County; some items were removed from the package before rebidding. The city received five bids; the city's consultant reviewed the submissions and confirmed the low bid was in order before staff recommended award.

Contract documents, the bid tab and the park concept plan were included in the board packet. The board did not record individual vote counts in the meeting minutes; the motion carried on a voice vote.

The softball field is part of a larger, multi-year Braine Park renovation that will later include restrooms, a pavilion, playground, a parking lot and additional amenities.