Lindon approves $69,400 contract for parks master plans to chase larger grants

Lindon — The Lindon City Council voted unanimously to award Civil Science a $69,400 contract to prepare detailed master plans and engineering‑level site plans for three park sites: East Bench, Linden Hollow and the Thornton property.

Keith Bateman, Lindon’s parks and recreation director, told the council the city needs engineer‑ready plans to be competitive for grants that now expect detailed site layouts and cost estimates. Grant writer Ron Clegg said those awards can range from hundreds of thousands up to several million per site and that hiring a firm with in‑house engineering capabilities justified the contract’s price.

Council members questioned the cost and the risk that detailed plans can become outdated. Councilmember Jake (last name not specified on the record) and others discussed narrowing the scope — for example postponing the Thornton property — if the council prefers smaller near‑term investments. Bateman and staff said the proposal can be phased and the consultant will provide a prioritized list of projects suitable for the next grant cycle.

Councilmember Van Broderick moved to approve the contract as presented; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Council discussion emphasized matching study scope to grant opportunities and the need for public input during design.

The contract award is intended to position Lindon to apply in future recreation grant cycles with shovel‑ready proposals that include engineering estimates and public engagement.