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Port Orchard council approves $149,925 contract to start Givens Park master plan
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Summary
The Port Orchard City Council unanimously authorized a $149,925 professional services agreement with Baumwalt (Baumwell) PLLC to produce a master plan for Givens Park, directing staff to pursue strong community outreach and preserve existing athletic fields where feasible.
The Port Orchard City Council on March 10 approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a professional services agreement to produce a master plan for Givens Park, awarding the work to Baumwalt (Baumwell) PLLC for $149,925.
City project manager Mr. Ryan told council the scope includes planning, conceptual design, preliminary engineering, community engagement, accessibility evaluation, cost estimating and preparation of a final master plan that will position the city for future Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office grant cycles. "The consultant is prepared to work immediately, including development of materials needed for upcoming RCO grant cycles," he said.
Council members pressed staff on core priorities during discussion. One council member asked whether the consultant would preserve the park's ball fields and consider an expanded footprint where the county-owned building might allow future options; Mr. Ryan said the team will reflect community priorities and that preserving athletic fields is expected to be a major component of the plan. Another council member raised concerns about potential turf replacement and long-term maintenance costs, noting that artificial turf can require frequent repairs in high-wear areas and that maintenance responsibilities would affect future city commitments.
Mr. Ryan answered that the master plan process will include public outreach and stakeholder working groups and that the selected firm responded best to the city's request for qualifications. He also noted there is no guarantee of grant funding but that grant reimbursement is a possibility.
A motion to adopt the resolution was moved during the meeting and carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The resolution authorizes the mayor to execute the professional services agreement in a form acceptable to the city attorney and to proceed with the master planning process, including public engagement and grant-readiness work.
Next steps: staff said the consultant will commence outreach and visioning activities, and council indicated the plan will return for further review as community input is collected. No change to existing field use was approved at this meeting; the council requested that any future design options clearly state maintenance implications and ADA transition requirements.
