Two contracts for the Glass City Riverwalk project were amended by park commissioners at the September 28 Metroparks Toledo board meeting to reflect changes in cost estimates.
Park commissioners approved an amended amount of $55.5 million for the transformative phase of the riverwalk. The project entails lawns, landscape beds, floating wetland habitat islands, river access step-down areas, boardwalks, overlooks, benches and swings, transient boat docks, kayak share and launch, seawalls, railings, bridges, shade structures, a restroom and lighting along the Maumee river frontage in downtown Toledo and International Park. Metroparks will be reimbursed for 80 percent of the cost up to $21.5 million from Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development federal funds, which were made possible through a grant from the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments. The board also approved a revised construction cost estimate for the project of $1.02 million. The work entails building structural steel and miscellaneous metals, exterior stud framing and metal panel siding, HVAC equipment and glass and glazing. The project is expected to be largely complete in spring 2023.
Other Business
In other business, the park commissioners:
•Awarded a three-year contract for tree maintenance and removal to T&J Excavating and Tree Removal of Holland for $180,000. The contract includes an option for two additional years for $120,000.
•Agreed to seek a grant of up to $20,000 from the France Stone Foundation. The funds would be used to perform dredging of the canal at Providence park.
•Authorized the treasurer to request an advance of property taxes as they are collected from the Lucas County auditor.
•Approved the payment of bills for August totaling $4.99 million.
•Received an update on the Glass City Enrichment Center from Allen Gallant, director of community development, and accepted $50,000 from the state for construction of the center at 815 Front Street. The next park board meeting will be at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 26, at Glass City Park, 983 Front Street, Toledo.
~Jane Maiolo
