Engineering estimate puts Orderville park project near $6.2 million; committee to prioritize phases

Town staff presented a civil engineering cost estimate for the proposed Orderville Town Park that totals about $6.2 million across four phases. Board members described the figures as “sticker shock” and identified two primary cost drivers: site/dirt work and parking-land acquisition.

Brianna summarized the consultant’s estimate and said elements in the consultant report include a new field, upgrades to the existing field, concession and restroom facilities, a pavilion, a toddler playground, three parking areas, and significant site excavation and restoration work. The estimate lists roughly $1.17 million for major excavation work (board discussion referenced “a million $170,000” in excavation costs) and engineering contingencies that include purchasing a parcel for additional parking.

Committee members said phase 1—partially funded by a $200,000 recreation grant and an expected $500,000 total for that early phase—remains subject to refinement. Board members noted equipment totals and site-equipment line items: “Equipment that Courtney has included ... you're looking at $1,200,000,” a board member said, referring to equipment costs across phases. Staff reported the committee is about $670,000 short on dirt-work funding as currently scoped. The board did not take any funding votes at the meeting; members instructed the recreation park committee to reconvene, refine priorities, and return with options for reducing costs and identifying outside funding (county funds, grants, phased scope changes, or volunteer-led work).

Board members flagged risk areas including the need for geotechnical certainty on excavation to avoid future settling, and parking access and ownership for the proposed north-side lot. The park engineering package is public record and staff said committee members will meet before the next board meeting to propose a revised approach.