Board approves $3.856 million turf and lighting contract for Sports Park and $448,980 engineering contract for Owen Park rebuild

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 4 approved two park-related contracts: a $3,856,425 contract with AstroTurf LLC for turf and lighting at Buncombe County Sports Park and a $448,980 engineering and design contract with Horshot for the Owen Park rebuild in Swannanoa.

Allison Daines, director of Parks and Recreation, said Phase 2 at Sports Park focuses on turfed, lighted play for fields 3, 4 and 5, improved drainage and an accessible walkway; the county previously turfed and lighted fields 1, 2 and 8. The county secured a TPDF grant of $4,054,415 for the full phase 2 scope; the board approved the lowest responsive bidder, AstroTurf LLC, to construct the turfed and lighted fields and associated accessible path.

Daines also described the extent of damage at Owen Park from Tropical Storm Helene, including the river’s shift that destroyed ponds and moved the river more than 45 feet into park property. The county proposed a two-phase rebuild: Phase 1 for engineering, environmental assessment, resilience design and community engagement; Phase 2 for construction documents, permitting and construction. The county received 11 responses to an RFQ and selected Horshot, a Chicago-based design and engineering firm working with two local partners, to complete phase 1 services.

Commissioners asked about potential FEMA funding paths and other federal grant programs; staff said they are coordinating with FEMA public assistance and other programs and noted restrictions on duplicate funding sources.

Both contracts were approved by voice vote; the Sports Park contract was awarded as the lowest responsive bid and Owen Park contract was approved to begin phase 1 design work.