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J.R. Smith Park moves toward October completion; ODNR funds let the city restore removed amenities
Summary
Staff reported substantial earthwork and underground utility progress at J.R. Smith Park, a target completion in October (with caveats), and said $375,000 in ODNR‑earmarked funds will restore items removed from the original bid package.
Staff updated the committee on construction and grant-funded enhancements at J.R. Smith Park, saying heavy hauling and site work have advanced the project and vertical elements for the splash pad and shelter are appearing. "It's a 70 foot diameter, clarifier that's about 20 feet deep," one staff member said, describing related wastewater-plant excavation and how the city reused some fill materials to reduce hauling costs.
Staff reported they moved roughly 100 off-site truckloads of material and received additional loads from the wastewater plant, which helped lower hauling fees. The committee was told the park timeline is still targeting an October completion date, though staff warned some internal components at the shelter house may require additional time to finish.
On funding, staff said new ODNR money allows the city to re-add items previously value-engineered out of the bid, including the drinking fountain, grills, benches, bike rack and shade structures; they named an earmarked $375,000 for parking improvements, sidewalk and trail work near the Lyons Building. Staff also said they will coordinate potential security cameras with police and look for cost‑saving change orders where appropriate.
Next steps: staff will follow up with contractor scheduling and bring photos of vertical progress to future meetings; they will also provide cost breakdowns for reinstated amenities and share timing for shelter-house internal components.
