Board receives preliminary report for MAPS Phase 1 neighborhood and community parks

Kimley-Horn consultant Darren Scott presented the preliminary report for MAPS Phase 1 neighborhood and community parks, describing three bid packages (1a, 1b and 1c) that together cover roughly 20 park sites.

Scott said the "budget for phase 1 is, a little over 20,000,000, 20 and a half million." He described typical improvements that include playground replacements, splash pads, multiuse courts, new trail connections, pedestrian bridges, lighting, upgraded park signage, and alternates to be used if bids come in lower.

Scott noted Washington Park will stand alone in package 1c with a cited budget of about $5,100,000 and that 1a’s estimated cost is about $6.5 million and 1b is larger because it includes bond projects. He said the packages were grouped geographically to make contractor staging more efficient and that some items are bond-funded.

Board member Chelsea asked whether the 180-day construction window meant all parks in a phase would be under construction simultaneously; Scott answered that all parks would be improved within a 180-day window but contractors will determine phasing. The board moved to receive the preliminary report and the motion passed.

With approval of the preliminary report, staff said the project will proceed to 60% plans and aimed to complete design by mid next year to start construction in the middle of next year. Scott estimated about a 180-day construction window for 1a and 1b and about a year for Washington Park in 1c.

Next steps: advance design to 60% plans, finalize bid packages and manage alternate items depending on bid results.