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Parks board opens bids, reviews quotes and receives construction updates for multiple parks projects
Summary
At its Sept. 3 meeting the board opened bids and quotes for rooftop units at Swonder Ice Arena, Mesker Park Amphitheater proposals, Garvin tree removal quotes, and restroom construction bids at Wesselman; staff also updated the board on Garvin Park construction and upcoming community events including Skating the Spectrum.
The Evansville Parks Board on Sept. 3 opened multiple procurement packages, took vendor quotes under advisement, and heard construction progress reports and event updates from staff.
Bids opened and taken under advisement included:
- Replacement of remaining rooftop units at Swonder Ice Arena: two bids were opened (Debra Campbell: $1,499,875.01; Harold Fish/HFI: $1,663,500). Staff said the bids will be reviewed with purchasing and returned for recommendation.
- Mesker Park Amphitheater RFP: the board received a single proposal in response to an RFP for a lease-based proposal for the Mesker Amphitheater. Staff emphasized that the RFP is evaluated on compliance with stated criteria and that the proposal will be taken under advisement for further review with the department and the mayor’s office; no board action was taken at the Sept. 3 meeting.
- Garvin Park tree removal quotes: three quotes (DJ Tree Service LLC: $72,150; American Eagle Tree Service: $93,907; Randy’s Tree Service: $80,550) were received and will be taken under advisement. Staff apologized for a tabulation-sheet error that mislisted parks on the board packet and clarified these quotes are specific to Garvin Park.
- Wesselman Restroom Building bids: several bids for the smaller restroom inside the playground were opened (Midwest Contracting & Maintenance Inc.: $419,740; Danco Construction: $454,000; Empire Contractors Inc.: $433,100; Dye Brothers: $447,240; ARC: $452,600). Staff said the project will use bond funds and that the bids will be reviewed with purchasing.
None of the opened bids or RFP proposals were awarded at the meeting; the board took them under advisement for later action by purchasing and staff.
Staff also provided project and event updates. Danielle presented construction photos and a progress report for Garvin Park, listing new play structures (timber stacks, Neos electronic play feature, spinner, large slide), restroom relocation and improved visibility, playground surfacing and upcoming basketball court surfacing; staff said the playground remained about a month from completion. Danielle also announced upcoming community engagement events: a neighborhood meeting at Howell Mini Park, a Park Squad meeting at Howell Mini Park on Sept. 10, a grandparents’ day scavenger hunt on Sept. 7, and a Park Chats meeting on Sept. 23 focusing on Third and Fourth Ward parks.
The board also approved Skating the Spectrum, an inclusion-focused ice-skating and hockey event at Swaner/Swonder Ice Arena on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon, including a waiver of typical fees previously granted; the event will feature adapted programming, resource booths, and volunteer assistance. Andrea Lord (assistant facility manager) and Jordan Watkins (event coordinator) briefed the board on event programming and accommodations for sensory-friendly participation.
The board repeatedly took the procurement items under advisement and asked staff to work with purchasing and the mayor’s office where required; no contracts were executed for these items on Sept. 3.
