Staff presented an updated Mid State (Midstates) quote for Lou Dennis Community Park’s playground and obstacle course showing a total project price of $1,999,057.11. The presenter said Ready/EREP has a pre‑commitment for approximately $1,000,000 toward equipment, turf and fencing, with the town, partners and bond proceeds covering the remainder. Mid State’s quoted price would be locked if the council accepts the quote before a December 15 deadline.

Council members raised cash‑flow concerns: whether Ready/EREP funds would be paid before the town would need to disburse funds, whether reimbursement would be timely, and whether Mid State would hold the price if installation begins months later. The presenter said Ready would likely pay out in 2026 and that Mid State indicated prices would be locked if the town accepted the quote by Dec. 15; she offered to follow up on invoicing cadence and conditional contract language.

Given the timing risk, a council member moved to table acceptance of the Mid State quote pending staff verification with ERAP/Ready and Mid State about payment timing and contract terms. The motion was seconded and carried. The council did approve a revised financial‑commitment letter that includes an additional $44,000 to cover benches and umbrellas.