Salem City Manager Rex Barbee says the city is quickly moving towards groundbreaking on the new Bryan Memorial Park Inclusive Playground as well as other recreational improvements in the park.
The council Monday night agreed to make some equipment changes and additions without rebidding, bringing the total cost of the project to $362,000.
“I think that we are 45-60 days from breaking ground,” said Barbee. “The change order that we asked for allows us to make subtle changes to some of the equipment that was in place and the proceeds from the fundraising and grant proceeds are going to be paying for that so it won’t be coming out of the city’s pocket. The council also allowed us to take advantage of the Hutchison Recreation Company to get us pricing on some of the other equipment we are looking for and that will give us an advantage of time and pricing as well.”
The additional equipment will be for a fitness trail and fitness stations along the walking trail, a Gaga Pit, sand volleyball, and batting cages. There will also be improvements to the Dog Park.
A toddler addition to the main inclusive playground is still planned as well. It will be priced separately because it will be paid for completely through privately raised funds by the Lions Club and the Inclusive Playground Committee. However, it will be constructed at the same time. A state grant, as well as local fundraising dollars, are on hand to pay for the rest of the project.
Salem Finance Director Kelly Barrow announced the city has now received a $105,000 check from the state which represents about half of their grant that will pay for 50-percent of the main project.
Barbee feels it’s possible the entire project can be completed by the end of summer.
