Shawnee council authorizes bidding for $3.85 million Garrett Park overhaul, including accessible playground and two pickleball courts

The Shawnee City Council on Feb. 24 authorized staff to bid construction of the Garrett Park Improvements Project (PN 3564), a $3,848,000 renovation that the city says will add an accessible playground, a fitness court and two pickleball courts while memorializing the former Garrett House footprint.

Parks and recreation director Tanya LaCure said the project will be funded from the city's Parks & Pipes capital allocation and noted the city accepted a $40,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign for the fitness-court component. "We did receive a $40,000 grant from the national fitness campaign, and that was accepted by this body, to go towards a fitness component," LaCure said.

The council's authorization allows staff to solicit bids; city documents and staff presentations foresee pre-bid work and contractor selection in May, pre-construction in June and construction…