RDA approves neighborhood playground CDBG awards and additional remediation funds for Badger Sheet Mill site

The Redevelopment Authority approved multiple park investments and an augmentation to an environmental services task order during the meeting.

Community development staff recommended $100,000 in CDBG park/infrastructure funds to replace outdated playground equipment at Badger Park, citing the neighborhood’s engagement and the park’s role in the Office for Violence Prevention and data‑driven investment strategy. The authority approved the Badger Park award by voice vote.

For Fisk Park, staff noted two playground components were 20–25 years old and recommended awarding $104,069.65 to replace equipment; the RDA approved that award by voice vote.

On Farland Park, staff reported completion of Phase 1 improvements and requested authority to approve final payment and close contract CD24‑01; the RDA approved final payment and contract completion after staff confirmed multiple funding sources (ARPA, RDA, CDBG) were used for the project.

On the Badger Sheet Mill brownfield site on South Broadway, staff reported successful demolition, excavation of contaminated soils and the discovery of unforeseen conditions (additional impacted soils, three underground storage tanks and underlying foundation layers). Stantec (environmental consultant) requested an additional $80,500 on a time‑and‑materials basis to cover extra engineering, lab and field oversight; staff said the additional work is grant‑eligible and funding is available through EPA and other grant sources. The RDA approved the additional expenditure.

Each approved action includes standard reporting back to staff committees and documentation of funding sources and next steps.