Title
Update; Lucretia and Gary Mills Park
Requested Action
Update only
Recommendation
Update only
Description/History
In 2014, improving this area became a priority. Staff has designed a neighborhood park with amenities to satisfy the surrounding community’s needs. The initial concept will involve playground equipment for two different age groups, a swing set, a pavilion, benches, trash cans, and a small trail with an open-space, vegetative area.
February - Staff is presently looking at concepts and options for the project. Staff has retained DFL to provide professional landscape architectural services for the project incorporating the survey documents previously obtained. Staff will work with our internal/external partners and will conduct a neighborhood meeting during the concept phase for input regarding the new playground elements and provide the best solution for the user and staff requirement.
March - Staff is currently working through the design process with the design consultant. A second neighborhood input meeting was held to gain direction to meet the needs and park function of the community. Surveying and construction documents are currently underway. Staff is scheduled to start bid procedures in April/May. Construction anticipated to begin August/September.
Justification
This project is funded out of the Park Land Dedication Development Fund. The land was dedicated to MPFDC during the platting process and the development fees have been collected during the permitting process. Currently there is enough money in this quadrant fund to develop a neighborhood park for this neighborhood.
April - Staff is currently reviewing design and estimated cost options for the project. Staff has retained DFL to provide professional landscape architecture services. All neighborhood public input meetings have been held and design direction was taken to meet the needs of the community. Surveying and construction documents are currently underway. Staff is scheduled to start bid procedures in April or May. Construction is anticipated to begin through the summer August/September.
May - This project was advertised publicly for bid and opened on May 14, 2015 with three contractors bidding. Staff is currently reviewing the bids and anticipates having a recommendation to present to MPFDC on May 21, 2015.
June - Staff has reviewed current bids and has a recommendation for consideration at the June 18th meeting.
July - Staff met with Morales Construction, the awarded contractor, and is finalizing contracts and permits in anticipation of beginning construction at the end of July.
August - Staff held a meeting to discuss scheduling and final preparation for construction to begin on August 10, 2015. Staff along with the help of the contractor notified the HOA and local residents as to the construction date. Construction has begun consisting of demolition and earthwork. Staff is anticipating construction to end early December.
October - Construction began August 10, 2015. Due to a lag in the delivery of the large culvert being installed the schedule slowed but remains on track. The earthwork is finished; the culvert is being placed; and the playground concrete will be readied for concrete pour within a few weeks. Staff is still anticipating construction to be complete in early December.
November - Construction is still ongoing. There were several delays at the start involving the new large culvert extension and bad weather issues. The retaining walls are installed along with the concrete walks. The playground is anticipated to be installed at the end of this month. The playground equipment has been delivered and is stored at the Parks Operations yard. This will lead to a final walk through and anticipated completion in mid December.
December - Construction is at 60% completion. The weather continues to slow construction, however, we are trying to condense the existing schedule. All retaining walls, most pathways, and all playground equipment should be installed this month. The pavilion, irrigation and playground rubber molding should be installed next month. Completion is anticipated by late January.
January, 2016 - Construction is at 80% completion. Construction has been continuously slowed down. All retaining walls, walking pathways, irrigation, and playground equipment have been installed. The pavilion, sign installation, and landscaping will be installed next month. Completion is anticipated by late February/early March.
February, 2016 - Construction is at 85% completion. All retaining walls, walking pathways, irrigation, playground equipment, pavilion, and trees have been installed. The sign will begin installation soon, and final landscaping will be installed by the end of the month. Completion and park opening is anticipated by March 14.
March, 2016 - Construction is complete. Staff is working with the contractor in turning over the general maintenance of the park and having it ready for the opening. The furnishings have been ordered with a 4 week lead time. The Namesake sign is being designed and a temporary metal sign will be placed on site until staff can procure a pressure laminated sign.
April, 2016 - On April 2 a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially open the park to the community. Friends and family of the Mills family as well as members of the community were invited; an estimated 150 people attended. Benches still remain on order and will be scheduled for installation based on their delivery. The Namesake sign has been ordered. Delivery is expected within three weeks.
MAY -
Funding Source
Park Land Dedication Development Fund
Prepared By
Chris Ray, ASLA, Park Planner, Community Services
chris.ray@mansfieldtexas.gov
817-804-5788