Shawnee approves PDG contract to design Feral Park; staff to pursue community-driven plan

The Shawnee City Commission voted unanimously to approve a professional design-services contract with PDG LLC to move the Feral Park project into its design phase.

Carrie Foster, Shawnee’s parks and recreation director, told commissioners the contract covers surveying, geotechnical work, public engagement, master planning, final construction documents, bidding assistance and construction administration. "Approval of this contract will allow us to move into the design phase of the project," Foster said. She said staff expects the full design process to take roughly four to six months and that community meetings and surveys will guide the park’s final shape.

During public comment and commissioners’ questions, some residents raised concerns about how much the city would ultimately pay. One commenter cited figures ranging from $3.25 million to $3.5 million displayed online and asked whether the community center’s condition would affect the park’s scope; Foster and staff said the design phase will clarify options but that final construction budgets and any additional city contributions were not specified in the contract.

Staff directed residents to the parks and recreation website for surveys and engagement opportunities and said a planning committee will be formed to include members of the public. The motion to approve the PDG LLC contract passed by a recorded voice tally of 7–0.

Next steps: staff will begin community engagement and the contracted design work; a subsequent agenda item will return to the commission with final design documents and budget figures.