Resolutions considering bids on Capital Improvement Project 11200; Land of Memories Park; Accepting the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant and also Authorizing City Manager to Direct Purchase Play System/Surfacing.

Adoption of the attached resolutions.

On July 17, 2026, bids were opened for the Capital Improvement Project 11200; Land of Memories Park project. Five bids were received, with the low bid submitted by Dirt Merchant Inc. of $268,074.25. The Engineer’s Estimate for the project was $294,580.50. The low bid amount did exceed the feasibility cost estimate which is a result of greater bid item specificity during final design and market cost escalation.

Staff recommends awarding the contract to Dirt Merchant, Inc. The contract has a fall substantial completion date of October 30, 2026, for the campground and playground grading and a substantial completion date for the remaining playground area for a fully functioning park of June 1, 2027. Action item – Adoption of resolution accepting bid.

As a cost saving and control measure, staff identified that the park equipment and play surfacing materials within the project could be directly purchased through a cooperative purchase agreement. The purchase and installation of custom play equipment, purchase and installation of the playground poured in place surfacing, and purchase and delivery of the playground's engineered wood fiber mulch were all identified as direct purchase options through Sourcewell. Pricing for the direct purchase materials has been previously provided in the enclosed quote documents. Updated quotes with extended expiration dates have been requested, but pricing is not expected to change. Staff are requesting authorization for a contract with Landscape Structures for an amount not to exceed $215,000.00 for direct purchase of the custom park equipment, which includes installation by certified installers. Staff are also requesting authorization for a contract with Flagship Recreation for an amount not to exceed $117,000.00 to direct purchase and complete the installation of the playground poured in place surfacing. Action item – Adoption of resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a purchase agreement with Landscape Structures and Flagship Recreation through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement. 

The city was the successful recipient of grant funding under the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant Program in the amount of $200,000.00 Action item – Adoption of resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into DNR agreement for Department of Natural Resources FY25 Outdoor Recreation Program Grant Funding Assistance.

Cost and funding for the proposed improvements:
 

LAND OF MEMORIES PARK

ITEM	COST
Mobilization, SWPPP and Removals	$45,012.65
ADA, Site Restoration an dLandscape	$69,941.72
Playground Site and Walkway	$153,119.88
SUBTOTAL SITE IMPROVEMENTS	$268,074.25
CITY DIRECT PURCHASE (Play system/Surfacing)	$325,192.62
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION	$593,266.87
Construction Contingency	$31,614.81
Engineering and Administration	$55,855.65
Construction Services	$64,500.00
TOTAL PROJECT COST	$745,237.33

 

FUNDING SOURCE	AMOUNT	PERCENT
DNR Grant	$200,000.00	26.8%
Parks CIP	$545,237.33	73.2%
TOTAL FUNDS	$745,237.33	100.0%

In the feasibility report, staff presented a total project budget of $689,147.80. Staff is recommending executing a budget amendment to cover the remaining $47,089.53 through an allocation of fund balance in the Parks Capital Fund. The current unrestricted balance stands at $1,073,041.