Madison County directs surplus and donor funds to Hoover Ridge park; splash pad costs climb

The Madison County Board of Supervisors approved supplemental appropriations on June 16 to move donor money and proceeds from surplus-property sales into the Hoover Ridge Park project, county officials said.

Chair (S2) and staff described two checks for the project: a larger donation from the Thompson Foundation that previously funded playground work and a roughly $60,000 contribution from the Parks and Recreation Authority. Brian (S7), who spoke to construction details, said the splash pad’s refreshed quote rose from $872,000 to about $956,000 after removing colored concrete and accounting for change orders and a $70,000 change order to Walls Construction; a $30,000 grinder pump was discussed but not installed now.

The board’s action approved Supplemental Appropriation No. 40 to apply those earmarked donor funds toward the splash pad and Supplemental Appropriation No. 41 to direct roughly $68,000 generated from sale of surplus county property toward Hoover Ridge. Committee member (S4) framed the decision as a reinvestment of public assets; Committee member (S3) and others cautioned that lighting, parking hard surfacing and restrooms remain outstanding capital needs and that final costs could push the project’s total closer to the $1.4–$1.6 million range discussed by staff.

Brian (S7) told the board staff are seeking firm contractor quotes for remaining work and will return with updated estimates; commissioners discussed temporary alternatives for surfacing and phasing options to limit escalation in future prices. No recorded roll-call tally was taken in the transcript; Chair (S2) announced the motion carried by voice vote.

Next steps: staff said they will pursue final contractor pricing, revisit potential additional funding or short-term borrowing if required, and continue donor conversations with the Thompson Foundation later this year.