Avon Park CRA authorizes Donaldson Park splash pad contract up to $307,843

The Avon Park Community Redevelopment Agency on Monday approved Resolution 2026-01, authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Gordian Group LLC for purchase and installation of the Donaldson Park splash pad in an amount not to exceed $307,843, including a $10,000 contingency.

Jason, a city staff member who presented the project, told the board the CRA had budgeted $800,000 for both a splash pad and eight pickleball courts. He said the splash pad equipment quote was about $297,843 and the pickleball courts were estimated at $491,850, with both projects together projected at roughly $789,693. "The equipment lead time in the proposal says 12 to 16 weeks from approved submittals," Jason said, adding that construction duration is expected to run about 12 to 14 weeks and that there is a one-year contractor and manufacturer warranty.

The design includes ground jets and an overhead "flower" feature; Jason described the main pad as about 400 square feet with the total usable area approaching 550 square feet. He said the pad will use reclaimed water and will have a rubber surface. "So, you see where those blue marks are? Those are like jets coming out of the ground and there'll be an overhead flower," Jason said during the presentation.

Council members asked about shade, fencing and materials. Staff said shade shells and perimeter fencing are not included in the current contract price but could be procured separately or funded from remaining special projects dollars; staff also noted the contract price had been updated to include the activation bollard previously listed as excluded. On operating hours, Jason said the system can be deactivated and proposed limiting operation to park hours (closed at dusk) if the council prefers.

Councilmember Jim moved to approve the resolution in an amount not to exceed $307,843; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll call vote of members present.

The resolution authorizes the city manager to execute the Gordian Group LLC agreement and include the requested contingency to avoid back-and-forth revisions. Staff estimated equipment lead times and construction could overlap; once submittals are approved the vendor would order equipment and schedule installation. The board did not set a firm opening date; staff said timelines depend on submittal approval and vendor delivery schedules.

Next steps: with the resolution approved, staff will finalize submittals with the contractor, confirm lead times and return with scheduling details and any additional funding requests if scope changes.