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Council reallocates ARPA funds and approves splash pad, moves ahead on Hazel Tilton amphitheater
Summary
Council approved a reallocation of remaining ARPA funds (total shown $3,678,203.79), authorized a $175,000 BuyBoard contract for a flow-through splash pad at Lincoln Park (partly grant-funded), rejected sealed bids for the Hazel Tilton stage and approved a BuyBoard amphitheater alternative for the park.
Jacksonville — City Council voted to reallocate the city’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and to advance a package of park projects including a splash pad for Lincoln Park and a prefabricated amphitheater at Hazel Tilton Park.
Staff reported the city received $3,678,203.79 in ARPA funds and emphasized the need to encumber remaining dollars before the federal deadline. Council actions aimed to prioritize one-time capital investments and avoid recurring operating commitments.
On parks, council approved a BuyBoard contract with Oasis Water Playgrounds to install a $175,000 flow-through splash pad at Lincoln Park; staff said roughly half the project will be funded by a Texas Parks and Wildlife matching grant. "It'll be located just east of the existing playground…we do anticipate this being complete well prior to the summer season," staff said.
For Hazel Tilton Park, sealed bids for a custom-built stage and restroom came in significantly higher than estimates; council rejected all sealed bids and later approved buying a preengineered 40-by-25 Kokomo open-air amphitheater (BuyBoard/Polygon) and using city crews for site preparation and installation. Staff noted lead times of 12–16 weeks after engineering drawings are approved.
Council members praised staff for leveraging ARPA to fund one-time projects that enhance recreation and community events. The council approved the ARPA reallocation resolution and the park contracts during the same meeting.
