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Council questions $1.65 million Firefighters Park plan, votes to solicit more proposals
Summary
Councilors pressed for independent studies, community surveys and competitive bids after a council member warned a $1.65 million park and splash‑pad project could saddle a shrinking Leitchfield with long‑term maintenance costs; the council voted to seek additional proposals through Sourcewell.
Council debate over a proposed $1.650 million Firefighters Park project intensified Tuesday night as at‑large council member Tim pressed for more analysis before advancing the plan.
“We're going to spend approximately $1,650,000 and have ongoing maintenance cost,” Tim said, urging the council to “survey the community, solicit bids, plan the full life‑cycle cost, and then we should make that decision.” He warned that, without additional study, the project could impose a disproportionate burden on low‑income residents and seniors and suggested phasing, independent economic analysis and a 20‑year maintenance plan.
Tim cited local demographics — a median household income he reported at about $47,000 and a child poverty rate he said was 40.3% — and estimated annual upkeep for a project of the proposed size at “50 to $100,000” a year. He also asked whether a recirculatory splash‑pad system would be used, noting that recirculation systems can cost $200,000–$400,000 and that a run‑to‑drain model would add ongoing water‑treatment costs.
Supporters said grant and tourism funding had been discussed to lower the city's share. The council was told tourism had committed to $150,000 per year for seven years as part of the financing scenario, though Tim said such pledges should be documented and validated with surveys and independent analysis.
Local vendors and residents urged fair, competitive procurement. Tammy Phillips, owner of Miracle Playgrounds of Kentucky and Tennessee, said her company is locally based and asked the council for an opportunity to submit a competitive bid. “We are local,” Phillips said. “We want to be a partner.” Her son, Josh Wagner, also urged collaboration and said the company can help with grant opportunities and community‑focused design.
After public comment and discussion, Council member Haycraft moved to seek additional proposals through Sourcewell, a cooperative procurement mechanism; the motion was seconded and carried. Council members expressed a desire for full specifications and for the winning proposal to be turnkey and inclusive of the splash pad, playground expansion and associated site work.
Next steps: the council voted to solicit additional proposals through Sourcewell and directed staff to accept competitive packages for review. No final contract award or formal project authorization was made during the meeting.
