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Parks bond projects on schedule; Marvin Caldwell and Academy Gibson key near-term openings
Summary
Council received a March update on parks bond projects: Marvin Caldwell Park remains on pace for a summer opening with amphitheater and splash-pad work continuing; Academy Gibson athletic fields are installing turf with an anticipated October completion; Jim Ramser Park targets summer 2027; several projects remain in design or pending bids.
At the March 12 meeting the council received the monthly parks and recreation bond update from the deputy director. Staff reported the completed Dorton Park remains heavily used (more than 13,300 visits in February), and provided current timelines on several bond-funded projects.
Marvin Caldwell Park: Work continues on the amphitheater slab and stairs, sidewalks, curbing and baseball field framing. Staff reported progress and said the project remains on schedule for a summer opening, with work on the splash pad specifically called out as a popular element.
Academy Gibson Athletic Fields: Turf installation began the week before the meeting; dugouts and storage structures are under roof and staff anticipates project completion in October of this year.
Jim Ramser Park: Water tap installation and storm drain work are complete; grading continues and staff expects an opening in summer 2027.
Other items: The David Phillips project went out to bid (closes April 23), skate park and pump track remain in final estimate/design stages, and Hartzell Park bathroom is open, allowing shelter rentals. Staff will bring updates to council monthly and noted coordination with utilities and external partners (for example, Duke Energy on a trailhead project).
What comes next: Staff will monitor schedules and bid results and provide updates at the next council meeting; several projects anticipate bidding later this spring and summer.
