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Lancaster parks board approves engagement with EMH&T for Miller Park Phase 1 design after aquatics study review
Summary
At its Dec. 3 meeting, the Lancaster Board of Park Commissioners reviewed an aquatics assessment and unanimously approved engaging EMH&T for Miller Park Phase 1 design (motion amended to require Law Director approval). The study included preliminary cost and scenario estimates for Miller and Tiki pools.
The Lancaster Board of Park Commissioners on Dec. 3, 2025 received an aquatics facility assessment and unanimously voted to engage EMH&T for Phase 1 design work at Miller Park, with the contract to be cleared by the City Law Director before execution.
Board members heard a presentation of Exhibit A, an aquatics study that assessed Miller and Tiki pools for accessibility, amenities and operations. The report found facility gaps — no zero‑depth beach entry, limited lap lanes and accessibility shortcomings at Miller — and summarized a community survey of 623 respondents (92.35% Lancaster residents). The study included a preliminary opinion of probable construction cost and listed a stated total aquatics cost estimate of roughly $4,202,000 (contingency included) and larger capital scenarios for full rebuild options.
Franco S. Manno of EMH&T described a Phase 1 engineering and design scope (Exhibit B) that covers an all‑abilities field, restroom building, playground, parking and pedestrian circulation. EMH&T proposed a base scope fee of $309,500 with optional, if‑authorized services (FEMA LOMR application, all‑abilities field lighting) totaling an additional $47,100. The proposal detailed tasks for field survey, geotechnical borings, 60/95/100% design milestones, permitting support (including Ohio EPA NOI/SWP3 requirements) and bidding support.
After questions and discussion, Commissioner Kari James moved to engage EMH&T for Miller Park Phase 1 design; Commissioner Bob Lovell seconded. The Board amended the motion to require approval by the City Law Director’s Office before final contract authorization. The amended motion passed unanimously.
Superintendent Steve Gayfield had previously presented the Parks Department Expense/Revenue Report earlier in the meeting and noted next steps for the smoking‑at‑events proposal: Gayfield said he would meet with Assistant Law Director Mitch Harden and return to the Board with a concrete ordinance proposal aimed at a full smoking ban during parks events and programs.
The board set its next regular meeting for Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Staff materials submitted to the Board include the full EMH&T proposal (scope, fee and exclusions), supporting Tri‑Tech and S&ME scopes and the aquatics study with community survey data and scenario cost summaries.
