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Bell Park loop estimate drops; commissioners weigh a $40,000 match to unlock grants
Summary
Engineers revised the Bell Park loop construction estimate down from about $1.4 million to roughly $365,000, prompting discussion of grant-match obligations. Commissioners discussed using incoming sales-tax distributions to cover a roughly $40,000 local match needed to access $326,000 in awarded grants.
The Greenwood Parks Commission on March 17 was told a major recalculation has cut the estimated cost to build the Bell Park loop from about $1.4 million to roughly $365,000, including a 10% contingency.
Commissioners and staff said that change significantly alters the project’s funding calculus. The engineering review that produced the lower figure means the project could be built for a fraction of the prior estimate but still requires matching funds to secure two existing 80/20 grants that together would provide $326,000 toward construction.
Staff said the grant structure requires a roughly 20% local match. Commissioners and staff worked through the math in the meeting: with the grant awards and contingency the tally came to about $366,000 total, leaving an estimated local contribution of about $40,000 to meet the 20% match requirement for one of the grants. Commissioners discussed monitoring incoming sales-tax distributions and other budget adjustments to identify when that match could be paid.
No formal vote was taken; commissioners requested staff “put pencil to it” and return with a precise plan and timing. Commissioners noted recent sales-tax distributions have been slightly favorable year over year, which could make the match attainable within the current budget year if the trend continues.
The commission also discussed project priorities and safety concerns: members said recent injuries on a steep section of trail increased urgency for construction. Staff said some planned features, such as floating bridges, would remain on a wish list and could be revisited later if additional funding becomes available.
Next steps: staff will meet with finance staff to firm up a funding schedule and return to the commission with detailed numbers and any recommended action.
