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Rye Brook approves National Fitness Campaign studio for Harkness Park; board accepts low bid for site work amid parking concerns
Summary
The board authorized a $170,000 purchase order for a National Fitness Campaign studio at Harkness Park (after a $40,000 NFC grant) and accepted a low bid for concrete/site work. Trustees raised concerns about parking and higher-than-expected site-work costs and asked staff to coordinate with the school district on access.
Rye Brook trustees on June 23 approved installation of a National Fitness Campaign (NFC) fitness court studio at Harkness Park and approved related budget adjustments and sponsorships.
Staff said the studio equipment and warranty total was presented as $210,000, less a $40,000 NFC grant, yielding a $170,000 purchase order the village would issue to the NFC if the board approved. The village also accepted a $25,000 featured-sponsor contribution from Sunrise Senior Living to be credited to project revenues.
Separately, the board reviewed bids for the site work (concrete pad and accessible pathway). Staff reported six bids were opened; the lowest responsive base bid read into the record as approximately $79,082.25 and staff recommended awarding the site-work contract to the lowest responsible bidder (Juwan Construction of Richmond Hill). Trustees noted the low bid was far lower than other bidders and staff said they had completed reference checks and would procure concrete testing services separately.
Trustees raised access and parking questions given the site’s proximity to school property and existing tennis-court parking. Trustee Epstein said the site work was about $40,000 higher than earlier estimates and worried that, without parking solutions, the amenity could be difficult for some residents to use. Staff suggested coordinating with the school district about sharing parking during non-school hours, using village-hall parking with a walking path connection and improving trail connections; staff also noted the studio includes a digital app and an ambassador volunteer program for programming.
The board approved the NFC agreement, accepted the sponsorship and authorized the purchase order and budget transfers needed to complete the project this calendar year. The board also accepted the low bid for the concrete/site work and authorized the mayor and administrator to execute required documents for that contract.
Next steps: the village will issue the NFC purchase order, complete concrete testing and award the site-work contract, then schedule certified installation by a licensed installer; staff will continue outreach to the school district and the rec committee about parking and programming.
