Of 15 bids submitted for the construction of Thomas C. Wales Park, a number of bids came in below the base estimate of $295,000.
The construction contract was awarded to A-1 Landscaping and Construction, who gave a base bid of $237,000, which allowed for an additional element to be added into the project for $17,000, according to project manager Patrick Donohue.
The low bid also ensures the construction of a gabion wall - a structure that would help prevent erosion, particularly important on this site, which has a somewhat bowl-like shape.
"One of the things we wanted was an upper trail," said Don Harper, chair of the Queen Anne Community Council parks committee. "The view from the top is amazing, especially for fireworks."
Harper also said another way to use the money would be to focus on native plantings and the removal of invasive species, but Donohue said that type of work will be looked at for the future.
The construction project coincides with the art installation commissioned by Adam Kuby after the Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs identified the project in the Pro Parks Art Plan - meaning it would have an artistic design element. The artwork plays with the notion of nature versus civilization, and particularly how nature uses the things constructed by society.
Because of the site's tight and hilly terrain, which makes work difficult in the rainy season, Harper expects construction won't start until the dry season. The contract allows for 100 days to complete the project.
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