Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to modify an existing contract with EDGE Group, Inc. for professional services associated with the final design plans and bidding documents for the Ulry Warner Park Improvements Project. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $454,533.00.
In 2013, the Recreation and Parks Department acquired a 45 acre property in the city’s far northeast area intended to be a future community park for thousands of residents in one of the city’s fastest growing communities. The parkland has been on the area’s high priority list for development and funds for this modification, as well as construction of the park scheduled to begin in 2022, are being provided by the Albany Crossing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) subsidy. The use of TIF funding to pay for the design and construction of this park are based on development fees being collected for public improvements during the rapid growth in this area of the city.
In 2020, Ordinance 0915-2020 authorized a consultant contract to develop a Master Plan for the park by engaging with the surrounding neighborhoods, stakeholders, and departmental staff to determine a preferred layout as well as amenities. This stage also obtained a detailed site inventory, preliminary engineering, and cost estimating. From this plan and report, the department selected priority construction items needed to open the park to the public. This contract modification was anticipated in the initial request for proposals and referenced in the previously authorized Ordinance 0915-2020. Improvements being designed for this park project include athletic fields, walking paths, natural play spaces, shelters, parking areas, a challenge course, and four new connections to surrounding neighborhoods. The project will also include wetland enhancements, forest preservation, and forest expansion. Final plans and permitting will occur in 2021 and construct...
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