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After high bids, Abington will reallocate $257,000 and post ARPA pavilion and trail bids
Summary
Staff told the board high field renovation bids forced a pause on soccer-field work; the township recommends reallocating $257,000 to other park needs, will post pavilion and trail bids the week of March 6 and hopes to award contracts in April, with construction through September.
Abington Township staff told commissioners on Feb. 26 that initial bids for ARPA‑funded field renovations far exceeded estimates, prompting staff to recommend pausing the soccer‑field work and reallocating remaining funds to other park infrastructure.
Ashley McElveen, who presented the update, said the original bid for comprehensive field improvements and alternates came back at roughly $2.2 million — substantially above the earlier estimate of about $650,000. She said the project was subject to Recreation, Conservation, and Open Space (RCO) certification rules, which limited eligible contractors; when the soccer‑field bid was reissued, contractors who certified did not submit bids.
"We are recommending the reallocation of the dollars that are set aside. That total is $257,000," McElveen said, listing possible uses such as additional dugouts, equipment storage sheds to replace metal boxes, and small shade structures where tree planting is impractical. She said the township identified a Costars RCO‑qualified vendor for prefab pavilion structures and plans to post the pavilion and trail bid package the week of March 6, with a return to the board in April for award and construction through May–September.
What the board approved: The board voted to authorize the preparation and advertisement of the American Rescue Plan Act pavilion and trail projects bid. Staff said they will aim to keep construction weekday‑only at some sites to preserve rental access.
Why it matters: The change affects which fields and park amenities are improved this year and how ARPA funds are allocated. The decision reflects market pressures from construction costs and procurement rules tied to RCO requirements.
Follow up: Staff said they will return to the board in April with a recommendation to award contracts. The proposed reallocation and the scope of work for parks are being finalized by public works and parks staff.
