Kennedale Council approves $2.9 million parks redevelopment, selects Speed Fab contract

Council members voted unanimously March 17 to approve a design-and-construction contract to redevelop Kennedale’s multipurpose athletic complex, selecting a base package and several alternates that bring the total near $2.9 million.

The council approved the contract following a presentation from Speed Fab’s design team and city staff. The base-phase package — priced by the contractor at $2,314,112 — covers a new concession/restroom building, resurfaced and reconfigured parking, walkways and site concrete, utility-field regrading and lights for the primary turf area. Council also approved alternates for ball-field infield work, additional turf and irrigation and other site improvements.

Why it matters: city staff and the contractor said the work will convert the existing ball-field footprint into flexible, lighted utility turf that can be striped to create multiple soccer field layouts, improve spectator and circulation areas, and add secure concessions and restrooms designed for heavy public use. The upgrades are intended to support youth programming, allow ticketed events and reduce recurring maintenance headaches on aging fields.

Contractor Mitch (Speed Fab) summarized the estimate and alternates during the presentation: "To go through that first phase that I described to you, we'd be looking at $2,314,112," he said, and presented optional add-ons for field surfacing, irrigation and lighting. City Manager Hull recommended approving the base package plus the alternates selected by council to meet anticipated program needs and to keep the project within the voter-approved bond envelope.

Council members and residents pressed designers on stormwater and soils. Designers said they performed soil tests and plan to regrade and provide drainage channels in the reworked field area; they described a sheet‑flow grading approach for the two new fields and noted that sod installation and landscape plantings require owner watering and seasonal care. On warranties, staff said building components typically carry longer warranties while plantings and sod are normally covered only for a shorter period and then require standard owner maintenance.

Lighting and parking were discussed at length. The design calls for new LED fixtures on several poles for the new utility field and retrofitting existing outfield poles where feasible; the lighting line item was estimated around $195,000 with value-engineering underway to lower cost if possible. Presenters estimated current parking capacity at roughly 70 stalls on both lots and said the project could add 40–60 additional spaces at the Sonora Park side if council chose to allocate funds there.

Next steps: staff will finalize the construction documents and schedule. The contract approved includes the base package and the alternates identified during the council motion; construction timing will follow final design and contractor mobilization. Staff said remaining outfitting (concession equipment, refrigerators, etc.) and ongoing field maintenance costs will be tracked in the city operating budget.

Council votes and funding: the motion to approve the contract with the specified alternates was seconded and passed 4–0. City staff said the total remains within the existing bond authorization and that unspent funds can be used for related park-parking improvements.

The project is expected to proceed to the final design phase; staff will return with a detailed schedule and equipment list as procurement and mobilization move forward.