Bethlehem council approves contract to design three parks after equity debate

After an extended exchange about equity and how the 40‑and‑10 parks plan was presented, Bethlehem City Council approved a contract to produce preliminary and final designs for three parks and to support construction bidding.

Councilwoman Daniels questioned the apparent disparity between illustrative concept graphics and the scope of work for Madison Park (South Side) compared with Bernie Fritz and Clearview, arguing that the South Side has received less past investment and requested a pause. "I just need it done in a more equitable way," she said.

Laura Collins, the city’s director of community and economic development, and project staff said the contract before council covers design and engineering only and that the concept illustrations in the plan were illustrative rather than prescriptive. Collins said the design phase will include community engagement events, preliminary designs, and cost opinions that will allow council and the parks committee to review and comment before construction bidding.

The resolution (10a) authorizes an agreement with Herbert Rowland Grubic, Inc. to provide design and engineering services for Bernie Fritz, Madison and Clearview parks, at a proposed design fee of $325,910 and an estimated completion date for design work of Nov. 30, 2027. Council voted 7‑0 to pass the resolution.

Vice President Laird and others asked that the parks and recreation committee be given the opportunity to review preliminary designs and that community engagement be front‑loaded so final design reflects neighborhood priorities. Council directed staff to circulate preliminary designs and to schedule committee review opportunities.

The contract moves the three parks from planning to the design phase but does not fix construction budgets or timelines; those will depend on design‑level cost estimates and subsequent grant or capital allocations.