Roswell committee approves Children’s Garden scope; staff to go to bid when funds are available

The Roswell Infrastructure Committee on Oct. 20 approved the scope of a new Children’s Garden next to the public library and authorized staff to put the project out to bid once funds are available.

The roughly 3,182-square-foot garden will include raised flower beds, turf, a small performance-style decking area and clustered musical instruments intended for play and learning. Staff said signage will be bilingual (English and Spanish alphabets) and two additional security cameras and electrical outlets will be added for programming and safety. "The library foundation has put $46,678 for that," the presenter told the committee when summarizing committed donations for instruments and signage.

Staff and the city’s engineering team described plans to protect existing trees with tree wells and grates, limit demolition near recent concrete work, and adapt the existing irrigation system to support drip and spot-bubbler irrigation in the new garden area. Presenter and contractor remarks said the design package is complete and ready for bidding once financing is assembled.

Committee members asked about occupant loads and programming; staff said the site could comfortably hold dozens of children and that fire-marshal limits would be followed. A CD and money-market donations are being coordinated with finance to assemble the remainder of the budget. The committee’s motion, made by Councilor Ian Moore and seconded by Councilor Arnold, passed with no opposition.

Next steps: staff will coordinate with finance to liquidate the designated donations as appropriate, finalize bid documents and advertise the project when funds are available. The item will then proceed through the normal procurement and finance consent-agenda process.