Council weighs staged Cadwell infield repairs and $1.2M–$4.2M turf proposals; lighting grant seen as timely opportunity

Council and staff spent substantial time vetting capital bids for Cadwell Park and broader sports-field upgrades after recently received estimates exceeded earlier projections.

Park staff and contractors presented two phasing options: a limited first phase focused on drain tile, infield grading and irrigation ($~219,500 in the materials presented to council as a phased option) and a full-scope package that included artificial turf and additional infrastructure that pushed total costs higher (packaged estimates discussed in the meeting approached $4.2 million when all enhancements were included).

Councilors generally favored a phased approach that would accomplish critical drainage and infield work now and allow turf installation later, noting the difficulty of affording full scope this budget cycle. Staff warned cost inflation and aggressive contractor bids make rebidding and requesting additional quotes advisable.

Members also reviewed a potential lighting upgrade program that could convert multiple ballfield lights to LED with an estimated 50% grant match. Public Works reported one light pole collapse earlier in the year and said inspections of roughly 73 poles will determine how extensive pole replacement will be; council asked staff to verify whether the grant would require steel poles or would also qualify wood-pole installations and to return with a consolidated cost estimate for the whole park portfolio.

Next steps: staff to distribute the bid documents to council, seek additional bids, confirm grant-match specifications and return with a prioritized, phased recommendation before final budget adoption.