Lebanon approves new Ashley Park concession, adds $8,900 demolition amendment

Lebanon City Council on Monday approved a contract to replace the aging concession and restroom building at Ashley Park and amended the agreement to include $8,900 for demolition.

The council approved an agreement with James R. Thomas Construction Company to build a concession stand and restrooms modeled on a similar structure at Nelson Park. A presenter for the project told the council the 1984 concession facility is overused and needs replacement to meet current tournament and weekend demand. “It just needs to be replaced, honestly,” the presenter said.

Council members debated and approved an amendment to add demolition costs of $8,900 before voting to adopt the ordinance. The clerk recorded council bill 69-46 as becoming ordinance 71 88.

Project proponents said the new facility will include a family changing station and increased restroom capacity; the presenter said the bid price remains below the city’s original per-square-foot budget, noting the estimate is about $2.80 per square foot compared with a $3-per-square-foot budgeted figure. The presenter also said the new design will closely match the Nelson facility where possible.

The council’s action followed a staff recommendation to proceed with the construction contract and to include the demolition allowance. The council voted on both the amendment and the final ordinance by roll call.

Next steps for the project include final contracting and construction scheduling; council members said they expect the facility to improve the park’s usability for tournaments and community events.