Council approves three park construction contracts, reallocates CIP funds for Patterson Park

The Murfreesboro City Council on Feb. 16 approved construction contracts for improvements at Oakport Park, Patterson Park and Veterans Park, voting unanimously on motions to award the work to the lowest responsible bidders.

The approvals fund turf and drainage work, playground and splash-pad additions, new parking, and trail and pavilion construction across three sites, city staff said. City presentations described the projects as part of the capital improvements program and said each contract is pending legal review before work begins.

Mr. Brashear, a city staff member, summarized the Oakport Park scope as a renovation of the existing ball field and parking area that will “resurface the ball field with artificial turf, replace all fencing, lighting, back stop, and improve pedestrian access,” and raise elevations to address drainage. Staff identified Steelhead Building Group as the lowest responsible bidder. The city listed a total project expense of $3,056,000, including a $2,910,000 base bid and a $146,000 owner’s contingency, to be funded from the general fund, assigned fund balance, the CIP and stormwater funds. Council voted aye: Miss Aberwater, Mr. Maxwell, Vice Mayor Schacklett, Mr. Wade and Mayor McFarland.

Staff requested approval for Patterson Park outdoor improvements, including parking upgrades, a playground and a splash pad. The project packet states the work was competitively bid and that Fuel Tank Maintenance Company LLC was the lowest bidder. The agenda materials show a bid amount listed as $240,000 and an alternate of $245,000 and state a total contract value of $2,770,000 including a 5% owner’s contingency; staff told the council they would reallocate $380,000 from 2025 CIP funds earmarked for Veterans Park to fully fund Patterson Park. Funding sources cited were the general fund and reallocated CIP funds. Council approved the contract pending legal review with an aye vote from all members.

For Veterans Park, staff recommended Moody Excavating LLC as the lowest bidder for the construction of a new park off Veterans Parkway near the I-840 interchange. The city packet lists a total contract value of $16,350,000, which staff said includes the base bid, an alternate for additional work and a 5% owner’s contingency. The project scope presented includes a primary entrance, playground, sports courts, paved and stone trails, four pavilions and secondary parking to connect to the Cloister subdivision. Council approved the contract pending legal review; the roll call was unanimous in favor.

All three contract approvals were made by motion, second and roll-call vote; each approval was noted as contingent on final legal review. Staff said the projects align with council priorities to expand recreational amenities and improve drainage and access.

The contracts will proceed to legal review and procurement for final execution; the council did not set construction start dates during the meeting.