Dunedin awards Phase 2 design contract for Gladys E. Douglas Preserve

The City Commission on April 15 approved a $416,377 contract with Wanamaker Jensen Architects of St. Petersburg to provide architectural and engineering design services for Phase 2 of the Gladys E. Douglas Preserve.

The commission’s approval, 4‑1, authorizes schematic design, design development, construction documents, permitting, bidding and construction administration for parking, utilities, a kayak/canoe launch, observation platform, picnic pavilion and permanent restrooms on the preserve’s eastern parcel. Jocelyn Broadhead, interim parks and recreation director, and Chase Myers of Wanamaker Jensen described the plan as a “limited‑impact” approach that prioritizes passive recreation while meeting requirements tied to the property’s prior grant funding.

The preserve was purchased through a community fundraising effort and a Florida Communities Trust (FCT) grant; staff said about $2.4 million of FCT funding helped secure the property. Broadhead told the commission Phase 1 (the western portion) opened in February 2023 with trails, interpretive signs and temporary parking. Phase 2 will add permanent site infrastructure, including potable water and fire protection lines, because existing structures used a private well and septic system.

Commission members and staff discussed specific constraints built into the property’s acquisition: deed and grant restrictions require certain elements and limit development to low‑impact amenities. Commissioners asked about the potential for LEED or similar green design for new restrooms and facilities; Wanamaker Jensen said the design will push for sustainability and could be positioned to achieve certification later if the commission chooses to pursue that path.

Commissioner Sandberg voted no and expressed concern about advancing a $3 million‑plus construction estimate while other city projects compete for funding. Staff said the $416,377 is the professional services fee for design and that the firm’s current opinion of probable construction cost is roughly $2.65 million; final construction estimates will be updated during the construction documents phase. Staff also said the city has set aside Penny for Pinellas funds to support implementation in addition to the FCT money used to acquire the land.

Broadhead and project staff said county partners will manage invasive‑species removal and that the city will prepare a long‑term management plan for the preserve’s vegetation and trail maintenance. The planned kayak/canoe launch will be limited to non‑motorized craft; staff said motorized vessels are not permitted under the grant restrictions. The commission approved the contract and authorized Deputy City Manager Jorge Quintas to execute the task assignment.