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Council approves expanded scope for Lincoln Cunningham Park to add playground infrastructure
Summary
Council authorized increasing the construction contract to add playground and related concrete/pad work to Lincoln Cunningham Park Phase 1 so future finishing work can proceed without major re-excavation.
The City Council on Jan. 16 approved a contract amendment to add playground infrastructure and related concrete work to the Lincoln Cunningham Park phase 1 arterial trail project, with an authorized contract increase of $742,800.
Public Works staff explained the additional scope would allow the city to install the 2–5 and preparatory elements for the 5–12 play areas, the community plaza patio, and concrete edges and underground utilities now while heavy equipment is on site. Staff said doing the concrete, underground utilities and structural elements now would avoid a future disruption that would otherwise require reintroducing heavy equipment and tearing up new trail work.
Andres (Senior Engineer) told council the project’s original construction and design came in substantially under budget, leaving savings that could be applied to the playground scope. The Neighborhood Improvement Commission had already approved $160,000 toward a 5–12 play area and smaller allowances for benches and a barbecue. Staff outlined funding options to cover the remainder by reallocating surpluses from completed or underspent projects, such as the bike-safety upgrade and street-sign upgrade budgets.
Staff emphasized stronger specifications for hydroseeding and plant establishment, including a 120-day watering requirement and a germination threshold that would require a contractor to replant at its own expense if 50 percent germination is not achieved. Council members and public commenters supported completing as much work now as possible to avoid reopening the park for heavy construction later; several asked that conduits for lighting be included in the work so lighting could be added later without new trenching.
Friends of Seaside Parks and nearby residents spoke in favor of the added scope. The council approved the contract amendment unanimously and instructed staff to use available surpluses and project savings to cover the increased contract amount rather than requesting a separate appropriation.
