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Board approves GMP addendum, budget amendment for Washington Park community center
Summary
The board approved a guaranteed maximum price addendum and related budget amendment to proceed with construction of the Washington Park community center; site work and park improvements are under way and staff expects phased public access during construction.
Manatee County approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) addendum and a related budget amendment to proceed with construction of the Washington Park Community Center. County property‑management staff and their construction manager reported the park site improvements are roughly 60% complete and that staff plans to open trails, restrooms and pavilions for public use while construction proceeds on the building.
What the board approved: The construction services division presented amendment documents to add the center’s construction GMP to the existing Washington Park project contract; the board voted to execute the GMP addendum and adopt the related budget amendment (budget amendment resolution B‑25‑118).
Project status and phasing: Site work (play fields, pavilions, restrooms and trails) is under construction and staff reported recent unforeseen site conditions that required adjustments (unsuitable soils and environmental remediation). Property Management described mitigation steps that reduced time and cost impacts (re‑trenching utilities into consolidated utility trenches, switching some path lighting to solar, and re‑using clean soils from another county site to reduce haul‑in volumes). Staff said they expect to open park amenities to the public in spring 2026 and to start construction of the community center in September 2025 with an anticipated winter 2026 opening for the building.
Budget and procurement notes: The county said the GMP addendum had been negotiated with the construction manager at‑risk and presented a budget amendment to fund the GMP. Commissioners asked for schedule details and oversight; staff said a phased opening of site amenities will allow public use even as remaining center construction continues. Commissioners approved the GMP addendum and requested continued schedule and cost reporting.
Ending: Staff will begin construction under the executed GMP, continue phased openings for park users and return to the board with ongoing updates on schedule and cost.
