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Board approves sod over hydromulch for Raymond Park common areas, adding about $353,000
Summary
After debate about delays and cost, the board approved a staff recommendation to use sod rather than hydroseeding for Raymond Park common areas; staff said the change will accelerate park usability but increases the project change order.
The Park and Recreation Board on Oct. 9 voted to approve using sod instead of hydromulch for common areas at the new Raymond Community Park, a change staff said will increase the project cost but speed the park’s readiness for active use.
Dan Baker said the parks project originally included seeded or hydromulch cover for common areas, which would likely delay robust turf establishment and could keep areas closed through spring and early summer. Staff returned with pricing to sod the common areas so the park would establish faster and withstand foot traffic from leagues and casual users.
Baker presented figures showing the additional cost to install sod across the common areas at about $353,000; added to previously approved sod for multipurpose rectangles, the board was told, the total cost for sod work would bring the project change order to a larger sum that staff will present to council. Baker said much of the additional funding would come from savings, contingency or interest on bond funds and park fees rather than cutting other projects.
Board members acknowledged the benefit of opening the park earlier and avoiding muddy, seeded areas, but several members voiced concern that construction delays and escalation contributed to the additional cost. Staff said the project’s phased contracting, alternates and the timing of supply lead times had contributed to schedule slippage and cost increases, and noted some additional revenue and contingency sources were available.
A motion to proceed with sod in lieu of hydromulch passed; staff will include the change order in the package it takes to council and said the larger change-order request—reflecting added irrigation/well work combined with sod—will be presented for council approval.
