Manhattan commissioners passed a $16.98 million build agreement for CiCo Park improvements Tuesday night on a vote of four to one.
The “base project” cost for the city will be just over $15.7 million, as there are about $1.2 million in projected construction and owner contingency funds.
Commissioner Karen McCulloh was the lone vote no, and said it was because of the high price…
“We’re in a serious budget crisis and I just don’t know how we can ask the public to support this. We’re talking about $17 million for a bunch of ball fields and tennis courts. I think we have to scale it back a bit.”
The project will include reconstruction of four baseball/softball fields, eight tennis courts, sidewalks and trails, parking, and utilities.
The base project cost will be paid, in part, with cash, temporary financing from the Recreation and Trails Fund, and Transient Guest tax funds.
Commissioner John Matta said the project isn’t perfect, but delivers on what citizens want.
“I think we need to go through with this plan. We’ve got a plan we can execute. If we change it around now we’re going to be , re analyzing everything and trying to come up with what to do. Let’s do this. Let’s upgrade the facilities here.”
City administration will return for authorization on temporary financing for part of the improvements at a future meeting. Staff are also pursuing grants, donations, and sponsorships which could be used to supplement City funding.
Construction is expected to begin December of this year and be completed by sometime in 2026.
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