Dickinson EDC discusses scaling back picnic grounds project after costs swell

The Dickinson Economic Development Corporation (EDC) spent more than two hours on March 10 considering cost increases and design changes to the planned Dickinson Picnic Grounds development, including options to scale the project back to a pavilion and phase later additions.

Board and staff members told residents the original project budget of $2.2 million omitted multiple soft costs and site requirements; more recent estimates are in the low millions higher, with one figure discussed as roughly $3.3 million. Staff and the board repeatedly said they will return to Structure Tone — the current contractor — for value-engineering to determine what can be completed within the EDC’s original budget and what must be deferred.

Why it matters: The Picnic Grounds is positioned as a community destination intended to attract residents and visitors, and board members said delivering elements that citizens repeatedly requested — trails, playgrounds, vendor areas and public restrooms — remains a priority. At the same time, trustees expressed concern about the EDC’s other commitments and the consequences of expanding the project cost beyond their established budget.

EDC staff reviewed the original scope and a more recent Structure Tone bid, identifying specific cost drivers. Staff…