Common Council approves architect for City Parks Renewal

PLATTSBURGH | The Phase One contract for design and bids' management of the city's Parks Renewal slate of projects was approved by the Common Council on July 20. The 5-1 vote drew a sole vote against from Councilor Elizabeth Gibbs (D-Ward 3), who questioned the structure of the design/bid resolution in light of total project costs. City Director of Community Development Matthew Miller explained that this phase contracted solely for final design and bid management. "We would have the design firm complete the final design for every improvement," he said. "By designing all of these improvements now, we are relatively sure that some will be constructed in 2024." Having final design plans in hand for all park projects could assist with grant opportunities as the city moves next phases to construction. The City Parks Master Plan, which was created last year by Barton & Loguidice, outlined park improvements that total $7,283,875. Plattsburgh is starting parks renewal with a total $2.5 million allocated by the council last year. On Thursday, the city Parks Renewal Project design and bid management contract went to Architectural & Design Engineering Associates (AEDA), of Plattsburgh, for a total $291,500. Park design costs differ for each park space: U.S. Oval Park: $119,500; South Acres Park: $42,500; Peter Blumette Park: $30,500; Melissa Penfield Park: $135,900; South Platt Street Park: $47,500. City officials emphasized that approval by the council on Thursday covers just the final design work and management of construction bids. "The projects for which actual construction contracts are eventually awarded will be dependent upon the project budget, any additional funding allocations approved by the council, and the bids received later this year," Miller said in a news release. The city hopes to put an initial slate of projects out to bid in the fall. PROJECT STARTING POINT Phase One looks at specific aspects of Plattsburgh's Parks Renewal Master Plan. Most include infrastructure and upgrades to restroom buildings. At the U.S. Oval Park, the first improvements would be a public restroom facility and a 6-foot wide walking path around the Oval's perimeter, about 0.75 mile. At the south end of the Oval, the Veterans Park will be upgraded with a $125,000 contribution facilitated by Assemblyman Billy Jones. "In South Acres Park, restoration of and improvements to restrooms in the barn and a 6-foot wide walking path around the park's perimeter will be designed," city planners said. "Resurfacing work on the South Acres Park pickleball commenced this week and will be completed in the coming days or weeks depending on the weather." At Peter Blumette Park, design engineering work "includes solutions to chronic drainage issues throughout the playing fields, improvements to the restroom facility, resurfacing of the basketball court, a new picnic area with wheelchair accessible tables to replace the park's expansive asphalt courtyard, clearing the overgrown canal along the park's western edge which contributes to the drainage issues noted above, and refurbishment of the park's commemorative sign." In Melissa Penfield Park, renovations to the restroom facility would be designed by AEDA, along with an expansion of the building to provide a new community rental space. AEDA will also complete the design of an expansive new playground to replace the current one at Melissa Penfield Park's northwest corner. "The city intends for this to serve as a destination playground and the design work will serve as both the city's down payment and the basis for a fundraising campaign, which will seek community partnerships and sponsorships to assist with fully funding the playground's construction," planners said. The City of Plattsburgh received a $100,000 pledge from Lake Champlain Ferries for construction of a renovated skate park at Melissa Penfield. "The highly specialized design work required for the skate park led to a decision to pursue that project along a separate path, but the city remains committed to its completion," Miller said. At South Platt Street (Fox Hill Park), Phase One work includes demolition of the dilapidated playground and replacement with a larger structure. Demolition of Fox Hill's restroom structure is included in this phase, along with design of a new restroom and clubhouse placed closer to the parking lot. "Parks and greenspaces are economic drivers for our community. Having parks and places to play and gather make for a healthy and thriving community," Plattsburgh Mayor Christopher Rosenquest said in the news announcement. "For years our parks have been neglected, maintenance deferred, all the while getting used. We're faced with not only getting them back to standard, but looking to the future and how to improve them based on community demands and feedback." City planning staff are compiling a list of potential grant funding sources to help complete Parks Renewal projects, Miller said. All required design work is to be completed in 2023 with an anticipated construction date starting in 2024. Future improvements would be funded through borrowing, general fund spending, and grants. ............................ PLANNING PROCESS WITH COMMUNITY INPUT Work leading up to the parks' design contract goes back more than 18 months. The Parks Renewal Project begin in the spring of 2022 when the city hired consultants Barton & Loguidice to create a Parks Master Plan. The consultants conducted a community needs assessment to determine how the five parks would be updated and redesigned using $1.5 million dollars in funding. The public responded to requests for input at Parks Come Alive! events in 2022. Suggestions provided feedback on the master plan. In December 2022, the Common Council dedicated an additional $1.1 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for parks renewal, bringing the total project budget to $2.6 million. A draft plan of park renewal projects was presented to the public in Spring 2023 and community members provided further input, comments, and ideas using Plattsburgh's online engagement platform. Park Renewal Projects, illustrations, and comments are available to view online: my.cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov

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Common Council approves architect for City Parks Renewal

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