(Posted Aug. 31, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Major improvements are on the horizon for Mason Park in Mount Sterling.
The plan is to install a basketball court, dugouts for the baseball diamonds, two batting cages, a walking path and playground equipment.
Funding for the project, along with some playground equipment for Merri-Mac Park in London, comes in part from a federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) secured by the county.
The project is divided into two parts: one for the construction work at Mason Park and one for the playground equipment at both Mason and Merri-Mac parks.
The estimate for the construction portion was $225,000, requiring the county to seek bids. One bid was submitted. The opening was held Aug. 29. Jay-Car Construction of Mount Sterling bid $247,498. The county is permitted to accept bids up to 10 percent over the estimate. Jay-Car’s bid came in at $2 under the 10 percent threshold.
Mount Sterling village officials will review the bid before the county commissioners take action on a contract. CDBG funds will cover $165,000 of the cost. The village is responsible for the rest.
The estimate for the playground equipment, in total, was $37,800. Projects estimated at under $50,000 do not require a bid process. The county sought quotes. Two were submitted. They were opened on Aug. 29. Playworld Mid State of New Albany, Ohio, quoted $37,532. David Williams & Associates of Harrison, Ohio, quoted $34,808.61. CDC of Ohio, the consulting firm that coordinates the county’s CDBG funding, will review the quotes and make a recommendation to the commissioners.
The majority of the playground equip-ment funding is going to Mason Park for two in-ground rocking toys appropriate for ages 2 to 5 years old and a large jungle gym apparatus suited for ages 5 to 12. Also included in the quote are benches, trashcans, grills and a bicycle rack. The remainder of the funding, about $5,800, is for a bench and two rocking toys near the shelter house at London’s Merri-Mac Park.
