Board approves $1.818M Aspen Ridge Elementary park construction change order; project budget rises to $2.18M

The Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board voted Jan. 15 to approve a construction change order of $1,818,016.01 for park-related improvements at Aspen Ridge Elementary School, increasing the park construction estimate from $1,670,200 to $1,818,016 (an increase of $147,816, or 8.9%). With owner soft costs — including design fees, permits, testing, furniture/fixtures/equipment and a 2.5% contingency — staff reported the total project budget is now $2,181,600.

Director Chuck Stifter said the park improvements will be integrated into the school district's larger design and construction contract with Wold Architects and Engineers and Ebert Construction; the work will be implemented as a change order to those existing contracts. Stifter said the city will collaborate with the school district on management and payment for services, and that a forthcoming Joint Powers Agreement will formalize maintenance and use responsibilities.

Chair Bill Lewis said he understood the price increases were due to a larger park storage building included in the scope and characterized that storage as an investment essential to park operations. "I'm looking at this space as an investment," Lewis said, noting staff had advised that the storage area would support ongoing programs and operations.

Motion by Deb Syhre, seconded by Ken Helvey, to approve the construction change order in the amount of $1,818,016.01 and authorize ISD 279 to proceed carried on a voice vote of seven ayes and no nays. The motion also directed the Parks and Recreation Director to execute the change order. Staff indicated the City Attorney is working on a Joint Powers Agreement and will return that document to the board in coming months.