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Design team presents expanded Elmer Thomas Park plan; council asks staff to return with $24.4M financing option
Summary
Designers presented an expanded Elmer Thomas Park plan including boardwalks, a boathouse, amphitheater, pedestrian bridges and a fitness tower. Rising cost estimates pushed total to ~$39.7M; council directed staff to return with a financing and phasing plan aimed at approximately $24.4M and to bring the refined proposal back for consideration.
Architects presented a multi-element design for Elmer Thomas Park that includes a boathouse and boat rental area, a boardwalk and jetties, an expanded amphitheater and plaza area with a 6,500-seat amphitheater footprint for larger events, pedestrian bridges and a 55-foot fitness/observation tower.
The design team explained increases in the total project estimate from earlier projections to a current total near $39.7 million, driven by longer pedestrian bridges, larger utility work, more extensive site remediation and geotechnical foundation increases. The team offered a phased option that focuses first on the lakeside boardwalk, dredging and boathouse (phase 1) and later the amphitheater and parking (phase 2). They provided items that could be cut or value-engineered to reduce phase 1 costs to about $21 million.
Council directed staff to return quickly with a plan focused on the $24.4 million option and to tee up financing options; the council recognized grant opportunities but stressed timing and that delaying increases future cost risk due to inflation. Staff said additional grant and philanthropic opportunities are being pursued. Council voted to have staff return with the refined plan (motion carried 7-0).
