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Aberdeen approves $170,000 in park spending to replace inoperable lake fountain, control vegetation and pave trail
Summary
The Aberdeen Town Board unanimously approved two budget amendments — $60,000 to replace the lake fountain and control aquatic vegetation ahead of July 4, and $110,000 reallocated to pay part of asphalting the Lake Park walking trail — and set procurement and scheduling next steps.
The Aberdeen Town Board on May 27 unanimously approved two budget amendments totaling $170,000 to replace an inoperable fountain and control excessive aquatic vegetation at Aberdeen Lake, and to fund part of the cost to asphalt the Lake Park walking trail.
Town Manager Paul Sabiston told the board the consultant-backed plan aims to reduce plant growth in the lake by July 1 to avoid impact on July 4 celebrations and that the existing fountain is beyond repair because parts are unavailable. Sabiston said the FY 2025–26 budget includes the paving project and, if contractors can mobilize in June, staff hopes to complete paving by mid-August.
"The banners look really good," Mayor Robert A. Farrell said earlier in the meeting when noting new downtown displays. Parks and Recreation Director Adam Crocker told the board the current fountain has been in place at least 15 years and "parts for the existing fountain are unavailable," so staff are recommending a full replacement that would also allow controllable lighting colors.
Finance Director Butch Watson described the funding sources for the two amendments. The board approved a $60,000 amendment to cover the fountain, pump, lighting replacement and vegetation control measures. Separately, board members authorized reallocating $110,000 from other project budgets that did not complete this fiscal year to cover part of the cost to asphalt the Lake Park Trail. Watson said the remaining trail funds are included in the FY 2025–26 budget.
Commissioner Tim Helms moved the trail amendment; Mayor Pro-tem Bryan Bowles seconded. Both park-related amendments passed on unanimous 5–0 votes. The board directed staff to proceed with procurement and scheduling; Sabiston warned project timing depends on contractor mobilization.
Ray's Mill Park trail was mentioned as a related local project: Crocker said that trail will grow from roughly one-fifth of a mile to about two-fifths of a mile once completed. The board returned from a closed session later in the meeting and adjourned.
What happens next: staff will pursue procurement for the fountain replacement and vegetation-control work and will coordinate paving start dates with contractors and budget staff.
