Oak Park City Council approved a package of contracts to complete phase 1 of Tyler Park improvements, including an 8-foot multi-use asphalt trail, drainage work to reduce field flooding, and construction management services to coordinate with Berkeley Schools.

Staff told council the project is part of the city's parks and recreation master plan and an interlocal agreement with Berkeley Schools. City staff recommended awarding the paving contract to the low bidder for up to $71,000, funded from the Tyler Park enhancement budget. Staff said the trail will be 8 feet wide and linked into neighborhood sidewalks to the north and south.

For the utilities and earthwork scope, staff recommended—and council approved—awarding the contract to Jacqueline Contracting of Dryden, Michigan in the amount of $329,000 to install underdrainage, underground storage utilities and site restoration to mitigate flooding on the field. Dave Melville of McCarthy and Smith summarized the bidding process and noted the utility category initially required a post-bid review due to a bidder error before the next low bidder was selected.

Council also approved a $93,000 construction management services agreement with McCarthy and Smith Inc. to mirror the school district's contract terms. City manager and staff said the mirrored contract is intended to create consistency across the city and school portions of the work and to realize economies of scale.

Council members expressed support for the project; one member noted the work will be done in phases and that amenities such as a pavilion and sledding hill are part of a later phase. The awards passed by roll call with unanimous votes.