Livonia seeks contractor for $5 million Sheldon Park overhaul; neighbors debate pool vs. splash pad

City Parks & Recreation reported on Jan. 14 that the bonded Sheldon Park improvement project carries a $5 million total budget and staff recommended awarding the general contractor contract to KEO and Associates, the lowest responsive bidder at $3,316,822—well under the engineering estimate of $3.6–$3.8 million.

Ted Davis, representing Parks and Recreation, said the contractor will coordinate most project work and noted funding comes from PRDA bond proceeds and a parks and recreation millage. “We have a total project budget on this for $5,000,000,” he said, and staff said receiving multiple bids below the engineer’s estimate was a positive outcome.

Why it matters: Neighbors said the project’s amenity mix matters. Steve King urged the council to include a traditional pool rather than a splash pad and asked where public meetings and detailed drawings have been provided to residents; he said, “We don't want a splash park there. We need a pool there.” Other residents and a council member argued an accessible free splash pad would fill an amenity gap for families.

What council did: Council indicated it was comfortable moving the contract award to the Jan. 26 regular meeting for formal action and asked staff to ensure adequate public outreach and clearer plans before final approval.

Next steps: The contractor award and related budget appropriation will appear on the Jan. 26 regular meeting agenda; staff committed to provide any additional materials requested by council and residents before the vote.