Commission ranks priorities for Wedge Preserve Park; staff to use results in GMP negotiations

City of Parkland staff presented updated plans and cost considerations for the Wedge Preserve Park at a Feb. 19 commission workshop and commissioners recorded prioritized additions that staff will use during guaranteed-maximum-price (GMP) negotiations.

Parks staff member Christine — who led the presentation — told the commission the park’s original construction budget was $32,000,000 and that the team has reached 90% construction documents and is negotiating the GMP. Christine said the commission’s ranking would guide which optional elements the city seeks to include in the initial construction contract and which might be deferred to later phases.

Why it matters: The commission’s priorities will influence the park’s final scope, the April strategic-planning budget discussions and whether the GMP must include amendments for additional features.

What staff presented Christine outlined the park layout and optional amenities under consideration: a 10-station Ninja Warrior course and spiral elevated two‑story tower (tower elevation noted as about 12 feet above grade with top under 31 feet); a splash pad with an approximately 1,500-square-foot water feature and adjacent rentable pavilions; a 9-building mini play village; eight pickleball courts and four basketball courts (all fenced); options to add hard or soft covers for pickleball and basketball; artificial turf for multipurpose fields; and a 16-station inclusive “bank shot” court area.

Staff also described the community building that remains in the base bid (approximately 4,400 square feet, with restrooms that can be accessed separately from the exterior and a 2,200-square-foot meeting space).

Commission direction and ranking Commissioners were asked to prioritize the optional elements; staff recorded the group’s preferences and will use them during GMP negotiations and when preparing the amendment for the commission’s later approval. Christine confirmed the commission’s process: “The lowest number is the highest rank. Right, Jackie?” Christine then read the final tallies.

Votes at a glance (staff-reported outcome) - No formal roll-call motion was made; staff collected ranking preferences from commissioners and recorded them for GMP negotiations. - Final prioritized list (lowest number = highest priority): 1) Ninja course and tower (rank 1) 2) Tie — Splash pad and pickleball covers (rank 2); commissioners indicated a preference for hard covers for pickleball 3) Mini play village (rank 3) 4) Tie — Basketball covers (preference: soft) and artificial turf for multipurpose fields (rank 4) 5) Bank shot court (rank 5,…