Bids for South Canton Park come in between $7.6M and $12M; contract expected at next meeting

Public works staff reported Oct. 2 that the city received eight bids for construction of the South Canton Park, with bid amounts ranging from $7,600,000 to $12,000,000 plus a $500,000 owner’s allowance for unforeseen expenses. Staff said references are under review and that a construction contract should be ready for council approval at the next meeting.

Mr. Hooper told council he will also bring a contract amendment with DSW not to exceed $101,000 for engineering inspection services related to the project. The presenter confirmed the project has a $2,200,000 grant; staff said the remaining project cost will be covered by SPLOST and impact fees. Council members asked for cost comparisons with county park projects; a council member noted some county parks are more passive and later expanded, whereas the South Canton Park design is intended to be fully built out with amenities now, including elevated walkways, tree canopy features and a dog-park area.

Council members discussed park scope and costs; staff characterized roughly one-third of the project footprint as dedicated dog-park area with two enclosures for small and large dogs and said much of the park will remain open to leashed dogs. Staff reiterated that the selected bid and final contract will be presented to council for approval when references and bid evaluations are complete.