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Council questions $180,000 quote for Four Wooden Swings at Five Points Landing; staff to get bids and timing guidance
Summary
Milford officials reacted with ‘sticker shock’ to a vendor quote that put four wooden pergola-style swings at roughly $180,000 (materials only). Council asked staff to obtain bids, consider alternative shade and planting strategies and to return with refined costs and a prioritized list for the $182,000 grant balance.
Milford City Council discussed potential uses of roughly $182,000 in remaining grant funds for Five Points Landing during the June 2 meeting, after staff presented a preliminary vendor estimate showing about $180,000 for four wooden pergola-style swings (materials only).
City manager Benjamin Gunderson said staff had not yet bid the work and recommended council provide direction rather than approve a purchase; council members reacted that the quoted cost for four swings seemed excessive and urged staff to obtain competitive bids, re-evaluate alternatives such as sun shades or large transferable trees, and to prioritize replacing only dead plants immediately rather than undertaking large new installations before fall planting season.
Several council members emphasized the park’s intended public character, accessibility and the desire for more shade. Staff noted the irrigation system is in place and proposed funding replacements of dead plants through the grant if council agreed. The matter will return to council after staff-reported bids and a revised, prioritized list of recommended work.
Why it matters: the decision will determine how a modest grant balance is used in a visible downtown park. Council’s questions underscore trade-offs between a single expensive amenity and multiple smaller improvements that may serve a broader set of park users.
What’s next: staff will obtain real bids, refine the recommended scope (immediate replacements vs. phased plantings), and return with cost comparisons and timing that account for planting seasons.
