Warren County approves multi‑million parks overhaul: 10 turf fields, playground surfacing and shade structures

Warren County Fiscal Court on July 9 approved a package of parks projects that includes synthetic turf for 10 athletic fields, ADA playground surfacing and equipment, and shade structures for bleachers at Michael Buchanan Park.

Judge Executive and parks staff described the program as a countywide, equity‑focused investment intended to reduce weather‑related cancellations and expand usable dates for tournaments and leagues. Parks staff said the court plans for fields to be serviceable to the public by March 2027.

Chris Comer, the county official leading the parks presentation, said the plan covers 10 fields and that "we decided to go with artificial turf on the infield areas…all 10 of these fields will have portable mounds so we can convert any softball field to a baseball field." He and partner vendors presented design details, maintenance equipment included in bids and an industry warranty window.

Tammy Phillips of Miracle Playgrounds, identified in the meeting as the company owner partnering on playground components, was listed as the vendor for playground surfacing and equipment. The court accepted a bid from Miracle Recreation for $988,868 for synthetic turf ADA playground surfacing and related equipment (Item 22). The motion was made by Esquire Lawrence and seconded by Esquire Williams; a roll call recorded affirmative votes.

The court also accepted a bid from Nationwide Sports Construction for $2,974,347.55 to install synthetic turf on 10 athletic fields (Item 23). Nationwide’s bid was selected from four respondents and was described by staff as the best‑evaluated on product quality and bid details. The motion to accept Nationwide’s bid was made by Esquire Aldridge and seconded by Esquire McWhorter; a roll call recorded affirmative votes.

In addition, the court approved $424,381 to Miracle Playgrounds of Kentucky for 16 cantilever shade structures to cover bleacher areas at Michael Buchanan Park (Item 24). Parks staff said the shades address long‑standing requests for spectator comfort and protection at that venue.

Parks staff told the court the selected turf product carries an eight‑year warranty (an industry standard noted in the presentation) though high‑use areas may fall outside warranty coverage and will require future reinvestment. Staff indicated the procurement includes sweepers and groomers to reduce staff labor on infield maintenance.

The decision followed presentations from county parks staff and contractors who showed sample designs, explained ADA compliance features and discussed an implementation timeline that seeks to minimize disruption to scheduled tournaments and league play.

The court authorized the judge executive to execute related documents and recorded roll‑call votes on the motions. Work is planned to be completed or in use by March 2027, according to county staff and the project timeline presented at the meeting.