[JASON STONE/INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA]
By Richard Smith | YourValley
Forget the difficulty of funding Surprise’s Parks and Recreation master plan goals, the one park project on the construction docket is facing skyrocketing costs through the course of the past year.
During the Surprise Parks & Recreation advisory committee meeting, department Director Holly Osborn said Countryside Park estimated the project that earlier this year was going to cost $5.2 million received a revised estimate of $10.5 million in September from construction contractor Willmeng. She stated in an email the cost jump is largely due to the increased cost of materials and labor, as well a water line that was not factored into the original budget which will provide a more sustainable water source for park landscaping.
Osborn said this park is 60% through its design phase and officials want to finish that process before making decisions on the park’s future. She said she would not hesitate to drop the project after the design phase if it is not feasible because of costs, but as of right now she still supports it.
“It’s hard for me to say we were off by half or over by double. But it’s the best idea for the city going forward because it does increase our capacity and give us more usable space. It does help us get those club teams that have moved out,” Osborn said. “I’d rather not build it than not build it right.”
