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 local, minority, certified service-disabled veteran owned small business. AKEA, Inc. has experience facilitating similar projects.
The Wild Spaces & Public Places program recommends authorizing this contract to AKEA, Inc. in the amount of $1,043,721 so that neighbors in Carol Estates and the surrounding area can have a park that they are proud of. The project will be funded through the Wild Spaces & Public Places ½ cent sales tax.
Fiscal Note
Funds in the amount of $1,043,721 are available for the construction of Unity Park, renovation of the Flatwoods Conservation Area Trailhead and demolition of NE 31st Avenue Park; $210,000 from the NE 31st Avenue Park WSPP ½ cent sales tax account, $803,721 from the WSPP unobligated fund balance, and $30,000 from the Flatwoods Conservation Area Trailhead WSPP ½ cent sales tax account. Please note that the GFWC Gainesville Woman’s Club donated $10,000 towards this project.
The increase in annual operating and maintenance expenses as a result of this project is estimated at $3,000/year. This increment addresses the cost of additional trash removal, playground safety mulch, basketball court painting, water for plant establishment, etc.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the project task; and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contract documents and other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.