Committee advances Riverview Park plans as boat-ramp grants put project out to bid

At a committee meeting, a staff member told members the committee’s preferred design—Concept C for Riverview Park—will go to council on Dec. 17 so council can select which option to advance; if council selects an option, planning and permitting for Phase 1 will begin.

“you guys selected option Concept C at the last meeting,” the staff member said, and staff indicated they will present that recommendation to council. The staff member also confirmed three funding sources are in place for the Main Street boat ramp: Florida Boater Improvement, FIND, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and that plans and permits are ready so the project can go out to bid.

Staff acknowledged a logistical challenge: several grant agreements arrived around the same time, which complicates procurement timing. “All the grants agreements came in kind of at once,” the staff member said, and that timing affects the purchasing process required to go out to bid.

On park restoration, staff said Filbert Street Park met required replanting obligations: the grant required 28 replacement trees, and staff reported, “the grant required us to put back in 28 trees. We were able to put in 56.” The new plantings are native species, including maples and sweet gums; staff invited members to visit Filbert to see the work.

Staff also said bids for a tree canopy survey were finalized and that the successful bidder was under budget; that contract is expected to be forwarded to council, likely on Dec. 17. Separately, staff briefed members on a proposed two-story design concept for Hurricane Harbor and urged either retaining a consultant or hosting a public meeting before presenting to council to ensure public input and technical expertise are available.

Members and staff discussed sequencing for shoreline and upland work at the park: staff said shoreline stabilization will be the bulk of expense and must be completed before upland elements such as swings and benches are installed, though upland design work can proceed earlier.

Staff closed the projects update by listing upcoming Riverview events: a Christmas parade on Dec. 6 (lineup 5:30 a.m., parade about 6:30 a.m.) and a craft beer “hullabaloo” from about 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; staff said the parade requires coordinated efforts from city staff and police to run safely.

The committee did not vote on funding at the meeting; staff said the next formal action will be the council presentation on Dec. 17.