BOUNTIFUL—City leaders have officially approved a proposal for construction of the new Washington Park. After months of planning and design, a contract was awarded to Launch Construction for just over $3.9 million for the new park to be built on the site of the old Washington Elementary School. 

A voter-approved General Obligation Bond passed in 2020 allocated $2.5 million for park construction. The balance will come from the city RAP (Recreation Arts and Parks) Fund, monies from Davis School District which will share practice fields on the site, and a transfer from the Storm Drain Fund.

City Parks Department Director Brock Hill explained the “Base Bid” scenario the city has developed that would include minimum park facilities as part of its master plan for the site. The Base Bid includes six pickleball courts, a new restroom and storage building, a large pavilion, playground equipment and surfacing, construction of a new 105 stall parking lot along 740 South, two large and one small open grass sports fields, asphalt walking path, site lighting and modifications to the existing parking lot on the east side of the property, which served the now razed school. Landscaping is also part of the Base Bid.

The award also includes anticipated expenses for construction of a skate park, something that is “a very important part of the project” Hill said, which would add $660,000 to the bid from Launch Construction for $3,247,486.48, bringing the cost to just over $3.9 million. Even with estimated savings projected by the city engineering department, the price tag would leave a deficit of about $19,000 which the city would provide through alternative budgeting. Councilwoman Kate Bradshaw asked city officials to look at some possible funding options for that $19,000, including any available grants.

Launch Construction was one of three companies that bid on the park, but was far lower than the closest competitor. Though the company is new, many of those working with it are familiar to the city. It’s a sister company of Redd Engineering which recently completed the remodel at Bountiful Ridge Golf Course’s cafe. Principals with Launch have also worked on various other city projects, including landscaping at city hall and improvements at the Bountiful City Cemetery.

“We have looked at value engineering efforts to save money as we build this project,” Hill said. “We’ve had discussions with the proposed developer who also said they would work with us in efforts so we can hopefully realize some savings from what’s actually being built. We anticipate saving about $229,000 as we go through this process with the park.”

One of those options would be looking at seeding rather than sodding for the grass fields, and amending the soil already on the site rather than bringing in 7,000 cubic yards of topsoil.

Councilman Richard Higginson applauded the parks and city staff who’ve worked on developing the project plans “for finding ways to supplement the funding so that we can include as many amenities as we have in the first phase. I appreciate it personally and I know the residents will appreciate it.”

Hill said some construction could start almost immediately, with the goal of having the park ready to use by next summer and the fields shortly thereafter. λ