Commission approves $214,430 design amendment for Midtown Miramar youth center

The City Commission voted to approve Amendment No. 2 to the architecture and design contract for a new Midtown Miramar community youth and multipurpose center, adding $214,430 in additional design and consulting services. Staff said the earlier, smaller design was expanded from roughly 5,000 square feet to a planned 12,000 square-foot facility, which prompted the subsequent amendments.

Daryl Johnson, presenting the scope, laid out the work included in the new amendment: a regulation-sized covered basketball court with bleachers, a covered fitness/outdoor gym area, a shaded playground with safety surfacing, an expanded covered entry/drop-off canopy and additional stormwater management. Johnson provided contract totals: “What I have before you on the screen is the total cost: the original contract for 454,585, amendment number 1 at 316,900, and amendment number 2, which we’re seeking approval for tonight at 214,430 for a total of $975,915,” he said.

Commissioners probed cost growth and accessibility. Commissioner Shahrazad asked whether the increased fee reflected the project’s larger size or rework of earlier designs; staff answered it was both—scope was added and some previous work was revised. Commissioners also asked that designers include at least one accessible swing and confirmed the covered court will accommodate netball and multiple uses. Staff said construction budgets were estimated at $8–10 million and that playground design and equipment procurement would likely follow separate procurement processes.

The commission approved the amendment by roll call and asked staff to continue reporting timeline and accessibility features as the project advances. The vote was recorded as Yes from Commissioners Chambers, Shahrazad, Vice Mayor Ivette Coburn and Commissioner Edwards.