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Park board approves design services to repurpose existing pedestrian bridges and assess replacements
Summary
The Greenwood Park Board approved professional design work to relocate and refurbish existing pedestrian bridges and prepare construction documents for replacements and abutment work at multiple parks.
The Greenwood Park Board approved professional design services on Jan. 14 to support relocation, refurbishment and replacement planning for pedestrian bridges at several city parks.
Staff described the outcome of a bridge study completed last year and presented a recommended next step: contract design services to prepare construction documents (plans and specifications) for moving an existing bridge from Summerfield Park to Westside Park, refurbishing or relocating another span at Sports Park over Grama Creek, and evaluating two older spans near the Northwest Park annex for possible reuse.
The packet presented multiple line items for design fees. Staff summarized a $53,450 proposal to provide design services for the removal and relocation of a Summerfield Park span to Westside Park and associated concrete abutment design; a $31,500 proposal for design and abutment/layout work tied to a refurbished pedestrian span for Sports Park; and a combined project total presented in the discussion at approximately $108,300 for the scope described. The board discussed that the program intentionally prioritizes reusing structurally sound bridges already in the city inventory rather than purchasing entirely new bridge spans when feasible.
Staff said the city also intends to repurpose a large structural temporary crossing (described in the packet as an old railroad/construction crossing) by bisecting it to create two usable bridge spans where appropriate and that some relocated spans will be painted or given a patina finish rather than a full structural refurbishment. Board members praised staff’s effort to reuse existing materials and said the approach could save the city significant expense compared with buying new bridge structures.
Board members noted the design work is limited to producing construction documents; the design contract does not include the cost of purchasing or installing new bridges. Staff also noted coordination requirements with the county floodplain/engineering staff and ongoing hydrological work tied to related trails projects; additional easements may be needed on private property for the trail and bridge work.
A motion to approve the professional design services contract(s) for bridge relocation, refurbishment and abutment design carried on a voice vote. Staff will proceed to finalize design agreements and deliver construction documents for bidding or contractor procurement.
Ending
Staff said the project will help the department repurpose existing city-owned bridges, reduce capital expense, and prepare the city to solicit construction bids once design documents and permitting needs (including any required easements) are complete.
