School board approves Founders Park baseball field design development; multipurpose building removed from scope
Summary
The board approved the design-development phase for Founders Park baseball field renovations, retaining artificial turf and a concession/press-box building but removing a planned multipurpose building; the estimated project cost was cited at $5.6 million excluding renovation of an existing locker-room building.
The Monroe County School Board approved design development for the Founders Park baseball field renovation, a project the district says will move to construction documents with contractor bidding if the village of Islamorada concurs.
The approved design removes the previously proposed multipurpose building; instead the plan calls for renovating the existing building outside the right-field fence into locker rooms and restrooms. The design retains an artificial turf playing surface and a concession/press-box structure behind home plate.
Finance and scope: The district presented a current estimated construction cost of $5,600,000 for the design as presented. District staff clarified the stated estimate does not include the cost to renovate the existing locker-room building; that renovation scope is still being developed and is not included in the $5.6 million figure.
Intergovernmental steps and timing: District staff said they will seek approval from the village of Islamorada and finalize design documents with a target of completing construction documents by March 2026 and beginning construction in April 2026, after the baseball season, if both local bodies approve and a guaranteed maximum price is established.
Board discussion: Members asked about the change in the cost estimate (staff said earlier figures included the multipurpose building) and whether awnings or shade were included; staff said bleacher shade had not been included and that trees provide shade in most areas. A board member raised concerns from emails about artificial turf and the absence of a fully executed lease or license agreement with the village; staff said negotiations on a lease remain ongoing.
Why it matters: The project affects district recreation facilities and requires coordination with the village of Islamorada on use and lease terms. The board approved the design development so staff can continue finalizing documents and return with contractor pricing.
