Sumpter council reviews multi‑phase park upgrade; Phase 1 estimated at $151,007.81

Speaker 2, a staff member, presented a multi‑phase plan to upgrade the town park and said the first phase should focus on play structures, surface material and a picnic area. "The bottom line is $151,007.81," Speaker 2 said when listing equipment, surfacing and grading estimates for Phase 1.

The presentation broke down costs for a 2,900 sq ft concrete slab (estimated at about $8 per sq ft, roughly $23,000), interlocking rubber tiles (about $35,000 for the area described), grading ($5,500) and play equipment (about $88,000 for two pieces similar to models the council reviewed). Speaker 2 emphasized that the OPRD (grant) program is a reimbursement model, which generally requires the town to pay costs up front before submitting for reimbursement if awarded.

Councilors and residents discussed alternatives for the play surface — pea gravel, sand, AstroTurf and rubber infill — and maintenance concerns such as sap and pine needles that could affect durability. Speaker 3 warned some softer surfacing options can deteriorate quickly and urged the group to confirm installation recommendations and any engineering requirements before committing to a surface type.

Because OPRD offers two application tiers (one for projects under $100,000 and another for projects above $100,000 up to $1,000,000), the council agreed it needs ballpark budget numbers now to decide which application to pursue. To finalize selections and figures, the council tentatively scheduled a workshop in late April to refine catalog choices and confirm the budgetary line items for the grant application.