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Harrisburg council approves $10 million Phase 1 of Harrisburg Park, awards $9.2M GMP and 20‑year financing
Summary
After presentations and public comment, the Town of Harrisburg approved a $10 million Phase 1 for Harrisburg Park, awarded a $9,242,674 guaranteed maximum price (GMP) package (construction GMP $9.2M) and authorized a 20‑year installment financing agreement with Sterling National Bank at 2.85%.
Council approved a $10 million Phase 1 build of Harrisburg Park on Aug. 12 after staff presented a revised scope, a GMP from the construction manager at risk and multiple residents offered public comment.
Parks and recreation staff said the project leverages a partnership with the Harrisburg YMCA to reduce the town’s capital share; Parks Director Daniel explained the revised design and amenities including an amphitheater, splash pad, expanded restroom and concession facilities, accessible playgrounds and improved trail connections. The construction portion of the GMP was $8,109,149; the full GMP package, including construction manager fees, general conditions, insurances and owner contingencies, was $9,242,674, staff said.
Finance staff briefed council on total project cost and funding. Lee told the council that when the GMP and related project costs were combined with associated design, intersection improvements, IT/surveillance and contingency the total project budget rises to $10,000,000. Staff recommended financing the project with a private installment financing package rather than waiting to save cash, citing current favorable interest rates and the risk of construction inflation rising ‘15 to 30%’ per year if the town delayed.
After discussing lifecycle maintenance, revenue offsets (park rentals, programming and reduced staging costs) and the projected debt service, council voted to: amend the project ordinance to increase the project total to $10,000,000; approve the attached change order/contract with JD Goodrum for a GMP (construction) of $9,200,000 (and related CMP/general conditions as presented); and award financing to Sterling National Bank for an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 on a 20‑year repayment at a fixed 2.85% interest rate. The motions passed by voice vote.
In public comment before the vote, residents and stakeholders were split: several parents and YMCA representatives urged approval as necessary to meet youth athletics and programming needs; some residents objected to proceeding after a 2017 bond referendum failed, arguing voters had rejected bond funding mechanisms then and asking for more public clarity about taxpayer impacts.
Staff and council noted the 2017 bond rejected a funding mechanism rather than the park program itself and said the current, scaled Phase 1 reduces the town’s direct cost partly because of the YMCA partnership. The council directed staff to proceed with the approved GMP and financing steps and to return with required project‑ordinance amendments and any additional reimbursements or grant outcomes.
The town will use the approved financing terms to begin notice to proceed and move toward construction; staff said they will post project materials and timeline on the town website for public access.
The council’s approval included direction to the manager to implement the financing steps and bring back ordinance amendments needed to reflect the new budget. The park project will proceed to the construction phase consistent with the approved GMP and funding plan.
