Temple Terrace narrows Riverside Park Phase 1 after cost concerns

At a City of Temple Terrace council workshop, council members and staff agreed to narrow the first phase of the Riverside Park master plan to fit the city’s FY2026 budget and reduce near-term cost risk.

Leisure Services Director Karl Langfeld introduced Joe Loretta of HAF, who said the design is about 90% complete and that initial permitting with the water management district and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is underway. "Plans are ready to go in for permit, to Temple Terrace at this point, barring, the outcome of today's meeting," Loretta said. He presented an opinion of probable cost of roughly $6.5 million for the full project and recommended a phased approach so work can begin within the city’s $3.8 million FY2026 appropriation.

The phased plan the council favored centers Phase 1 on the riverboardwalk and connections to downtown, restroom renovations and safety-focused pedestrian crossings, plus a new parking lot on the south parcel rather than adding significant parking north across River Hills Drive. Loretta outlined that a Phase 1 scope approximating $3.5 million could include Springdale Pond improvements, the new parking lot, pedestrian connections to the playground area and a boardwalk overlook. He cautioned that splitting the work into two construction phases can add mobilization costs but said phasing would allow construction within the current budget.

Budget timing and transparency dominated the discussion after Council member Kravitz said she received updated cost figures only the day before the workshop and called the late distribution an "ambush." City Manager Carlos acknowledged the oversight and said staff would provide handouts and follow up on distribution. Kravitz repeatedly pressed whether some costly amenities that scored low in the public survey should be deferred; Loretta said staff balanced public feedback, feasibility and council direction when shaping the plan.

Council members also debated surface materials and maintenance tradeoffs. Several council members and residents cautioned against gravel paths because of long-term maintenance and ADA concerns; Council member Chambers called gravel a "maintenance nightmare." Others noted gravel or asphalt might save modest upfront dollars but could raise lifecycle costs. Multiple council members emphasized the importance of accessible, durable paths for strollers, wheelchairs and older users.

On programming and access, council members and residents said the park’s goal is to help "activate downtown" by creating an attractive, walkable riverfront destination rather than a heavily activated events site. Some council members questioned whether a kayak launch is necessary at this location; Loretta said the design allows kayak access and rentable kayak lockers but that a primary kayak-launch focus would require broader changes and tree removal.

Staff and HAF proposed permitting the full site while constructing a reduced Phase 1 so permits remain in hand for future phases. The council asked staff to produce a revised graphic and cost breakdown that isolates Phase 1 items and identifies permitting dependencies and permit expiration dates. Loretta said his team could produce a revised plan within two weeks; council and staff agreed to target the Feb. 3 council meeting to review the refined Phase 1 plan and then proceed with permitting and procurement planning.

Next steps: staff will return with a refined Phase 1 plan and line-item cost estimate for the Feb. 3 meeting, identify which features are permit-dependent, and proceed with permitting for the full project while seeking bids for the Phase 1 scope only if the council directs moving forward before the November election.