Title
Authorization for the Construction of Unity Park, Renovation of the Flatwoods Conservation Area Trailhead and Demolition of NE 31st Avenue Park (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to approve the Guaranteed Maximum Price in the amount of $1,043,721 for the construction of Unity Park, renovation of the Flatwoods Conservation Area Trailhead and demolition of NE 31st Avenue Park with AKEA, Inc.
Explanation
NE 31st Avenue Park is an unsightly park in Gainesville. It is currently located under a high voltage (169KV) GRU transmission line which was installed in the 1970s. It is believed that this park was constructed in the late 1960s and many pieces of equipment on site such as the merry-go-round and swing sets appear to be original.
GRU offered to provide three (3) acres, approximately 200’ west of the park’s existing location, to construct a new neighborhood park if, as part of the project, all vertical structures that are currently under the high voltage GRU transmission line were removed. Modern regulations do not allow for vertical structures (pavilions, playground equipment, shade sails, trees, etc.) to be constructed under a high voltage transmission line which limits future improvements at the existing park’s location. Wild Spaces & Public Places in conjunction with the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department felt that the demolition of NE 31st Avenue Park and the creation of a new park, Unity Park, nearby is in the best interest of the neighbors of Gainesville.
Due to the proximity of NE 31st Avenue Park to Flatwoods Conservation Area Trailhead, staff felt that it was appropriate to renovate the trailhead while contractors were mobilized to the area to save on costs. $30,000 for the Flatwoods Conservation Area Trailhead renovation project was approved by the City Commission in October of 2019.
AKEA, Inc. is one of the City’s approved construction management firms for small projects (under $2M). AKEA, Inc. is a lo...
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