City of Benson, AZ

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LIONS PARK & SPLASH PAD UPDATES

January 20, 2023- After design and engineering, two estimates for construction of the Splash Pad came in at about $1 million, three times higher than originally estimated.  We are collaborating with Psomas who is working with responsive bidders to reduce the scope of the project without reducing the imprint and size of the Splash Pad (for example, the new picnic tables can be added later) and will be meeting with Staff next week on the status and moving forward.  We hope to have a construction contract to Council soon!  Once this is ready for action and is underway, the relocation of the playground can begin and additional park equipment can be incorporated.

Funding for the Arizona State Parks Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant has not yet been released and is expected in March. The project includes the following additions/improvements to Lions Park:

• Grading, utilities & lighting for 4 pickleball courts and 2 new softball fields
• Replacement of large group ramada including electrical upgrades
• Landscape and Irrigation

The Community Development Block Grant project which includes a restroom with concessions and Phase 1 of the paved parking area for the pickle ball courts and softball fields has encountered a delay due to the possibility of the presence of the yellow-billed cuckoo.  The bird is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and nests in tree canopies in riparian habitats.  Staff is working to set up a meeting with a biologist who will be contracted to complete a pre-construction survey, which can only be done during the cuckoo’s breeding season (June/July).

CITY HALL ANNEX (TEMPORARY CITY HALL FACILITY) UPDATE

City Hall Annex has several items outstanding to receive a certificate of occupancy.  City Crews prepped and placed 15 yard of concrete footers for the outside structures for the building. Once the ground dries out from the current rain they will be forming and placing more concrete footers.  The crews are working on this as time permits (other things like the reported gas leak at Jack in the Box will take precedence – it turned out it wasn’t a gas leak, but still took time away from the tasks at hand).  They are about half-way complete with the underground work, rough grading and the concrete footers and foundation work.  They are also about half-way complete on the fencing.  The outstanding elements of the list are:

• The placement of the steel structure around the building
• Final grading
• Sidewalks and curbs
• Paving (will be subcontracted)
• Landscaping and Signage
• Final Clean up

MORE INFO TO COME - PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON!