The North Judson Redevelopment Commission members discussed the town park improvement project when they met last week.
The members previously opened a bid from Brown and Brown General Contractors, Inc. It was the sole bid received for the proposed project which was considered over budget.
The commission members reviewed the bid earlier this month with Mike Reese with The Troyer Group who stated that he was anticipating more companies to bid on the project, but the timeline stipulated in the bid documents and the schedule of subcontractors that could work on the project trying to make that deadline was a point of concern. The playground equipment contract was another area of concern.
It was previously suggested to rebid the project and extend the timeline to October 1, 2024 in order to complete the project and have all amenities involved in the project. Reese cautioned that there is no guarantee that bids will come in lower.
During the meeting last week, the members agreed to rebid the project in mid-January with bids due back in February with the possible start of construction in March. There are some small things that can be eliminated from the overall scope of the project to bring down the cost. Alternates will be specified in the bid documents.
The Town of North Judson was awarded a Land and Water Conservation Grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources earlier this year in the amount of $500,000 to make improvements at the Town Park at the corner of George and Weninger Streets.
Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe previously said the old playground equipment will be torn out, but moved toward the northern end of the park. A zip line feature is anticipated along with new slides, and a cliff rider and climbing feature.
Equipment will also be ADA accessible. There will also be a natural playground and a pergola.
Rowe said sidewalks will also be a major player in this update as they focus on ADA accessibility.
Two pickleball courts, a shelter, and beach volleyball are also proposed in this project closer to the ball diamonds. The basketball court will be resurfaced along with the addition of more sidewalks. Permanent cornhole boards will be installed, as well as a half-mile walking trail around the outer edge of the park.
Rowe previously noted that the $500,000 grant, plus a $500,000 grant match from the North Judson Redevelopment Commission and funding support from the Starke County Commissioners and Council will help rebuild the park that has not seen this type of update in decades.
