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Commissioners approve multiple parks projects: tourism contract, tennis courts RFP, carousel RFQ and expanded Playland work
Summary
The board approved a Kansas Tourism reimbursement contract, authorized an RFP for four new tennis courts at Casa River, authorized an RFQ for Gage Park Carousel CMAR, and expanded the Playland site-prep RFP to include additional construction elements funded by Gage Park sales tax funds.
Shawnee County commissioners on June 16 approved several Parks and Recreation items that county staff said aim to expand programming and attract larger events.
Tim Lorentz, director of Parks and Recreation, asked commissioners to execute a contract with the Kansas Tourism office to participate in the Sunflower Summer program. "The state will reimburse us up to $20,000," Lorentz said, adding there is no financial risk to the county for participation. The board approved the contract 3-0.
Lorentz also asked for authority to issue a request for proposals to construct four new courts and related amenities at Casa River Tennis Center. He said the design is complete and that the county expects ad alternates for resurfacing existing courts and additional lighting; lighting for the four new courts would be included in base scope. Cost estimates were described as approximate: "We're looking somewhere right now between $1.31 [million] and $1.4 million if we do all of this," Lorentz said. He said adding four courts would bring the complex to 22 courts, exceeding the 21-court threshold he cited as needed to attract larger national tournaments. The commission authorized the RFP issuance 3-0.
On the Gage Park Carousel, staff requested approval to issue a request for qualifications using the construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) delivery method to design and build renovations and an addition to replace a shelter expected to be removed January 1, 2027. Lorentz said the project will be funded through Gage Park sales tax funds and that the Gage Park Improvement Authority pledged $175,000 toward design costs. The board authorized the RFQ 3-0.
Finally, commissioners approved an amended scope for an earlier Playland site-preparation RFP to add additional concrete work, safety surfacing, utilities and other construction elements. Lorentz said preliminary excavation done by Public Works reduced scope and cost; the expanded RFP will seek a project manager to coordinate remaining trades and accelerate completion. Funding for Playland work is from Gage Park improvement funds. The motion passed 3-0.
Staff said the combined projects aim to increase regional visitation, support summer programming such as camps at the carousel, and position the tennis complex to host larger tournaments. Board members asked clarifying questions about timelines, lighting, bleacher and shade plans, and access/ADA connections; staff said final designs and costs will return to the board for approval.
