Lacey awards $6.14 million contract for Greg Cuyo Park Phase 1a; staff says phased opening possible this summer

The Lacey City Council voted Feb. 4 to award the construction contract for Greg Cuyo Park Phase 1a to Midway Underground LLC for $6,136,785.84.

Engineering Design Manager Ashley Smith presented the bid results and project scope to council. "Their bid amount is $6,136,785.84, compared to the engineer's estimate of $5,830,407.82," Smith said. Ten bids were received. The contract includes a main park entrance for public and emergency access, roughly 75 parking spaces, utility stub‑ins for future connections, an inclusive playground, a large picnic shelter, about two miles of paved and soft‑surface trails and an 18‑hole golf‑level disc golf course.

Smith told council the contract allows the contractor to complete the majority of the work this summer while identified long‑lead items—primarily the picnic shelter and playground equipment—are delivered. That approach could allow completed and accepted areas of the park to open before all elements are finished. The bid timeframe includes 150 calendar days for substantial completion with a tentative overall completion in October.

Council members asked about the funding gap between the bid and the engineer’s estimate. Staff said the majority of funding is from committed general‑fund reserves with two additional grants (Department of Commerce and RCO). Council discussed a remaining shortfall of about $342,764.16 and staff said reserves including the real estate excise tax reserve could be used; staff will monitor construction costs and report back if budget adjustments are needed.

Why it matters: The award sets in motion construction of a major new park amenity that the city has funded in part with reserves and grants, and staff expect some areas to be available for public use by summer if the contractor achieves the accelerated portions of the schedule.

The council’s motion to award the contract carried unanimously.