Council approves change order to complete Traverse Park phase 1; residents and councilors debate cost, contractors and next steps

The Sandpoint City Council on May 21 approved a change order (No. 8) to the Traverse Park renovations phase 1 construction contract to finish remaining concrete and landscaping work, but the vote followed extended questions from council members and public comment about costs and contractor selection.

Director Jason Welker, who presented parks updates, said the playground itself was funded in part by a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant that covered roughly half of that playground project and noted remaining park work includes four additional park benches, batting-cage repairs and foul‑ball safety nets. He said a change order in front of council covers concrete pads for benches and a picnic shelter pad and related work connected to the sports‑center excavation adjacent to the playground.

Council discuss…