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Board of Works approves $5.45 million build‑operate‑transfer package for Whitewater Gorge activation
Summary
The Richmond Board of Works and Safety voted to approve a guaranteed maximum price of $5,450,000 for a build‑operate‑transfer (BOT) agreement to advance Whitewater Gorge improvements, contingent on a pending Common Council resolution and backed in part by private philanthropic grants.
The Board of Works and Safety on June 12 approved moving forward with a build‑operate‑transfer agreement that carries a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $5,450,000 to fund phase 2 and phase 3 work at the Whitewater Gorge.
Denise, parks superintendent, told the board the city followed a public BOT procurement process established by ordinance 36‑2025 and that four firms submitted proposals. "We have a recommendation to move forward with this guaranteed maximum pricing of $5,450,000," she said, adding that the project team had worked through scoping to align cost with available funding.
The park department said funding commitments include support from Revitalize Richmond and a Lilly Endowment gift. Dakota Collins of Earlham College, who represents Revitalize Richmond, emphasized the private nature of that funding: "These are not tax dollars," he said, describing roughly $2,500,000 in philanthropic investment for the gorge activation plan.
Katie Clark, project lead from MKSK, described the construction schedule: "The first effort at the Weir Dam is anticipated to begin, probably August 2026. ... Completion [for those phases] spring of ’27," she said, adding that remaining sites near Stargenet would follow and the work should be complete by the end of 2027.
The board approved the department's recommendation with a condition tying final local action to a Common Council resolution (Resolution 18‑2026) expected to come before council next week. A member asked that concept renderings and materials be shared publicly; staff said they would provide the slides for WCTV and other outreach so residents can see how the funding is being used.
Why it matters: The BOT agreement consolidates multiple park improvements under a single delivery team to accelerate work and secure a GMP rather than advance individual contracts. The project is funded largely by private philanthropic grants and matching programs, according to project partners, and it will shape downtown recreational assets and programming tied to tourism and local activation.
Next steps: The board's approval is contingent on the Common Council approving Resolution 18‑2026; construction permitting and final contracts must be executed before site work begins.
