Franklin Township council authorizes bids for $8.6M Catawba Park redevelopment

Franklin Township’s council voted unanimously March 24 to authorize advertisement of bids for the development of Catawba Park, moving a long‑delayed 29‑acre park project closer to construction.

The council approved Resolution 26‑1‑24 after a presentation by the township engineer outlining a revised design and cost reductions. “This project went out to bid last July and it came back at approximately $9,300,000,” the engineer said, and after redesign work the estimate had been reduced to “approximately $8,600,000,” with three deletion alternates — bocce courts, decorative pavilion walls and horseshoe pits — included as cost‑saving options.

Why it matters: the plan includes two full‑size cricket fields, a 67‑space parking lot on the park’s north side, an 86‑space lot to the south, an inclusive playground funded in part by a county open‑space grant, basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, a community garden and a walking trail with mile markers. Engineers said the inclusive playground is funded by a Somerset County open space grant of $360,000.

Town staff described how value engineering reduced the price: stamped concrete was replaced with standard concrete, fitness stations were removed, restroom interiors were switched from fiberglass‑reinforced finishes to block and epoxy, and some ornamental finishes were simplified. The engineer also estimated construction management and inspection costs in the $400,000–$425,000 range.

On funding, the finance officer said about $5.4 million is available in the open‑space trust fund in cash and roughly $2.4 million remains from a prior capital bond ordinance, leaving an approximate shortfall of $1.2 million. The recommendation from the township’s financial consultant was to bond for the balance rather than deplete the trust fund entirely.

During questions, council members pressed staff on options if bids exceeded estimates. The engineer explained the bid specifications will include the deletion alternates and that bidders will be asked to submit alternate prices so the governing body can reduce scope if necessary. Residents near the park raised concerns about buffers, tree removal around the bridge and construction access; staff said maintaining emergency access and coordination with property owners will be required in the bid documents.

The council then moved and seconded the resolution. The clerk conducted a roll‑call vote and every listed member voted “yes,” carrying the authorization to advertise bids so the township can solicit competitive bids with alternates accounted for.

What happens next: Advertising the project begins the formal procurement process. If bids come in at or below estimates, staff can proceed to contract awards; if not, the council can select deletion alternates or rebid. The council did not set a final maximum authorization threshold at the meeting; staff said the alternate line‑items are intended to preserve flexibility.

This decision follows more than a decade of planning for park development and represents a major use of the township’s open‑space funds for capital improvements.