Board approves flexi‑pave surface for Grama Park formal gardens, awards $603,000 contract

The Waukesha Board of Public Works voted to award the Grama Park Formal Gardens Pathway Irrigation and Drainage System project to Always Contractors using Alternate 2—the flexible porous pavement option—for $603,000.

The board’s decision follows a presentation from Park and Recreation and public works staff that recommended Alternate 2 over crushed limestone and permeable concrete. Mark Schramm, identified himself as “the new customer and administrative services manager for Park Rec Forestry,” and described the flexi‑pave product as porous, slip resistant and low maintenance. “With it being so porous, it can handle up to 4 inches of water per hour,” Schramm said, adding that the material is ADA compliant and has a “minimum of 15 years” lifespan depending on wear.

Why it matters: Park staff and board members said the material reduces ongoing maintenance compared with crushed limestone and will better support heavy rental use at the formal gardens. Board members noted the site hosts frequent rentals and events, and they said a more durable walking surface both improves accessibility and reduces labor to regrade and replenish crushed materials.

Details and debate: The department reported it received a single bid for the combined scope; staff described the solicitation as three bids bundled together (a base bid and two alternates) and recommended awarding the alternate that places flexible porous pavement in walkways. Schramm said the product is made from recycled materials and is crack‑ and freeze‑thaw resistant. He said it is “very environmentally friendly” and offers color options to match the garden setting.

Board members asked about the material’s performance during flooding. A board member noted that the garden area “every 5 years or so” can experience standing water of “6 to 10 inches” for about a week; Schramm responded that the porous material “handles that very well” and would be easier to clean afterward than crushed stone. Another board member expressed concern about “material creep,” saying the board supported flexi‑pave for this specific location but did not want it to be adopted broadly across other city parks without separate review. Staff said the product is well suited to the formal gardens’ heavy rental use.

Motion and vote: A motion to approve the contract with Always Contractors for Alternate 2, in the amount of $603,000, was made and seconded. The vote was recorded as: Cassin—aye; Kevin Riley—aye; Piper—aye; Foothill—aye; Dayton—aye. The motion carried.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with contract finalization and coordinating the work with Park & Rec scheduling to minimize disruption to rentals and events.