Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City moves ahead on Rotary Park south‑side phase after rebid; playground timeline, sponsorships discussed
Summary
Staff reported the south‑side phase of Rotary Park came in under $900,000 on rebid; staff plans to proceed using ARPA and grant reallocated funds and to solicit sponsorships for the inclusive playground. A separate land‑and‑water grant deadline and playground procurement timeline were discussed.
At the Jan. 23 Committee of the Whole meeting, a public works staff member presented an update on the Rotary Park renovation and said the city received a low rebid for the South Side at $889,000.
"The rebid for the South Side, the lowest bid coming at $889,000," the staff member said. He said owner‑furnished items — light poles, benches and trash receptacles — were estimated at roughly $53,000 and would be supplied by the city and installed by the contractor.
Staff told committee members the project budget will draw on a combination of ARPA dollars and reallocated grant funds. Boggan earlier summarized the available Legacy Hopkinsville and grant funds; the presentation on Rotary Park noted a previously approved 50/50 Land and Water grant of $150,000 (city match $75,000) but staff said the project timeline changes mean the grant's playground deadline (Sept. 30) cannot be met for the current scope. Staff said the South‑Side rebid would proceed without waiting on pending Recreational Trails Program notification.
The presentation said the council previously authorized $669,654 of ARPA funds and $436,003 of reallocated grant funds to support the project; after contracting for the rebid, staff reported a remaining balance of roughly $163,657 for related contingencies and owner‑furnished items.
The presentation and subsequent committee discussion emphasized the project will include an inclusive playground on the South Side, while the North Side — which includes a basketball court, parking lot and pavilion — will be rebid later as a Phase 2 if council pursues it. Parks staff and local nonprofit partners are pursuing sponsorships and grant applications; the presentation said Miracle representative Josh Wagner will assist with sponsorship outreach and some grant applications, including a $100,000 target for poured‑in‑place surfacing.
Why it matters: Staff said advancing the South‑Side work will move dirt on the site, encourage sponsorships and generate momentum for remaining phases. Council members asked clarifying questions about which side includes the playground and the parking configuration.
Next steps: Staff said they will proceed with contracting for the rebid South‑Side work, pursue sponsorships and return to council as needed for contract approval and any reallocation of funds.
