Waycross will soon begin planned improvements to three city parks after a construction bid was accepted by the Waycross City Commission at its bi-monthly meeting Tuesday, October 8.
Commissioners approved a resolution for the $3,437,918 contract with ICB Construction Group for upgrades to Bailey Street, Elizabeth Street and Garlington Parks. The bid was the lowest and best of two received for the work, Finance Director Greg Smith said.
Commissioners Sheinita Bennett, Katrena Felder, Diane Hopkins and Alvin Nelson were unanimous in accepting the bid despite it being more than $737,000 over budget.
Charlie Bridges, an engineer for the city’s egineering firm ESG, and City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford said they were confident after consulting with the contractor the project could be brought within budget.
“Once we get a chance to talk with them about changes, we can execute a change order to get (project) within budget,” Bridges said.
Added Rayford: “When can meet with them, it may be a case of us doing the work when we can (to lower costs).”
The upgrades are being funded by a combination of state and local dollars. Waycross received $2.2 million in May, 2023 from a pool of $225 million Gov. Brian Kemp made available in November 2022 from the state’s federal pandemic funds.
ESG Consulting Engineer Trey Gavin recommended at that time the city apply for the funds and pledge $400k from its remaining American Rescue Plan Act dollars to enhance the city’s chances of receiving the state’s full award of $2.2 million.
“I’d like to thank ESG and the city for pursuing the funding for these parks,” said Felder, whose District 3 contains Garlington Park. “This will greatly enhance the quality of life for our citizens.”
When the funds were awarded, Gavin developed a comprehensive upgrade plan for each of the parks which was released in December, 2023. The price tag on each of the wish lists for the parks is just more than $1 million.
Gavin’s proposal includes a variety of new items and changes at each of the parks including splash pads at Garlington and Elizabeth for between $88k and $120k depending on the size. The city’s current splash pad is in Pernell Roberts Memorial Park and was built with city and private funds three years ago.
Rayford said he expects work to begin on the parks within a month of the time he and Bridges meet with officials from the Macon firm to adjust the project.
He said he hoped to be able to have the meeting this week (October 14-18).
