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Warren Field improvements wrap up after $325,000 CDBG grant; minor budget increase reported
Summary
City staff reported on the Warren Field Community Development Block Grant-funded frontage and park improvements, saying the $325,000 CDBG project and an $80,000 city contribution delivered curb, gutter, sidewalks, lighting, ADA access and park upgrades; project finished about 1.5 weeks ahead of schedule with a net budget increase of about 2.8%.
City parks staff reported on Oct. 7 that work funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has substantially finished at Warren Field, including street-front improvements, ADA parking and new park amenities.
Robbie Quinn, parks planner, told council the city applied for the CDBG in April 2024, was awarded $325,000 in August 2024 and awarded the construction contract on May 6. The CDBG budget allocated $20,000 to design and $305,000 to construction; the city contributed $80,000. Quinn said construction began in June and achieved substantial completion July 18, about a week and a half ahead of schedule.
Quinn described completed work along Second Avenue and Idaho Street: curb and gutter, back-in angle parking with widened planting buffers, stormwater adjustments, sidewalks, pedestrian and street lighting, ADA approaches, relocated park signage and improved parking for ADA access. In the park, upgrades include a larger shelter, two playgrounds (2–5 and 5–12 age groups), new swings and a sports court (pickleball). Quinn said the project retained four large oak trees but removed six trees and replaced them with four larger-spec trees.
Quinn told council the project went slightly over budget: design exceeded its allocation by about $4,000, and construction increased by roughly $7,300, for a net increase near 2.8 percent. He said the construction overrun came from multiple change items consolidated into a single change order: additional trenching depth required by Avista for electrical lines, relocation/adjustment of a fiber/utility box, added asphalt and base during demolition, and ADA grade adjustments requiring more base rock. Quinn said some landscaping quantities were deducted to offset costs.
Council members asked about back-in parking behavior and overflow parking that draws vehicles, trailers and boats into neighboring streets. Quinn and Parks staff said education, signage and outreach to coaches and parents should increase correct usage over time, and the redesign added more parking capacity and curb-line control to protect tree root zones. Staff also said they will monitor parking and may revisit overnight-parking rules if problems persist, noting enforcement would require police resources.
Quinn said remaining closeout items were minor final touches: completing sod and plantings, finishing fence removal and final punch list items. The park was expected to be open for weekend use following final touches.
