Commission authorizes $27,000 master-plan agreement for Vivian Park

The Board of County Commissioners authorized an agreement with FFKR Architects to prepare a master plan for Vivian Park, approving the contract at a cost of $27,000.

Richard Nelson, Public Works, told the commission the project was not currently a separately budgeted item but could be paid from available TRCC lump-sum funds freed by delayed projects. Nelson said the work would engage the public and the homeowners association (HOA) to shape a multi-year plan and funding strategy. Speakers noted that the HOA will fund the gate and construction, while the county would fund the planning contract and consider redirecting funds from delayed projects for design work now.

Commissioners discussed safety concerns created by increased visitor traffic near South Fork Road, noted contractor availability issues that have delayed construction items, and said advancing the master plan now could allow the county to make design choices before the park gets busier in the spring. Unidentified Commissioner 4 argued that because the item was already included among TRCC asks for next year, it made sense to "get a head start" on the plan while an architecture firm was available. Nelson described the justification and said some projects already planned (handicap restroom access, guardrail) could be deferred and their budgets repurposed this year.

A motion to approve and authorize signing the agreement passed 3-0. The commission directed staff to treat the work as part of the normal parks funding process and to show the construction projects as carried into next year's budget lines as needed.