Title
Approval of a Bid Award for the Yelm Highway Community Park Phase 1 Construction Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the bid award for the Yelm Highway Community Park Phase 1 Project to Active Construction Inc.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the bid award for the Yelm Highway Community Park Phase 1 Project to Active Construction Inc.
Staff Contact:
Melissa McFadden, P.E., Planning & Design Manager, Parks, Arts and Recreation, (360) 763-8152.
Presenter(s):
None - Consent calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia is ready to break ground on the Jolene Unsoeld Community Park, referred to as the Yelm Highway Community Park Project in the contract documents, late in the fourth quarter of 2026. Park construction will be in accordance with the Master Plan approved by Council in 2022. We are proceeding with implementation of Phase 1 park improvements at this time.
This project provides for construction of a new community park on Yelm Highway at Wiggins Road. Project elements include installation of a rectangular synthetic turf field striped for soccer and lacrosse with a nearby soccer mini-pitch and Lappset interactive play features; 13 pickleball courts, including one for accessible play; a playground, restrooms and picnic shelter with accessible elements for all users; 2 full-size basketball courts; a dog park; a park maintenance facility with office and shop space; and all needed utility and parking to support the Phase 1 park improvements.
Climate Analysis:
This project provides facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists, including construction of a new shared use path and concrete improvements to support a bus stop on Yelm Highway. In addition, EV Charging Stations will be provided for the public and Park Maintenance Facility vehicles, and lighting throughout the park is LED.
Our grant funding requires that we adhere to Build America/Buy America requirements with domestic equipment and materials resulting in lower transport emissions than those sourced internationally. Also note that development of park and recreation facilities in urban areas reduces vehicle miles traveled to outlying areas.
Because this project does require the removal of some trees and vegetation, those impacts will be mitigated through new tree and landscape plantings throughout the park property.
Equity Analysis:
This park has been designed with accessibility in mind. Park pathways, restrooms, and the picnic shelter adhere to current ADA standards and accessible parking spaces are provided. The playground includes inclusive play features as well as rubberized poured-in-place surfacing, which supports movement for users of all abilities. An accessible pickleball court is included to allow for pickleball play for wheelchair users.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Thousands of community members participated in the park planning process over several years. Soccer and pickleball players, as well as neighbors from The Hamptons and Indian Summer neighborhoods have shown particular interest in the site.
Financial Impact:
This project is identified in the 2026-2031 Capital Facilities Plan as well as the 2022-2028 Parks, Arts, and Recreation Plan. In 2025, the City issued debt to fund this project and the Daley Arts Center (Armory) renovation.
The project is funded with Bond Funds, Park Impact Fees, Olympia Metropolitan Park District Funds, SEPA Mitigation Fees, and Voted Utility Tax. Multiple grants totaling $2,850,000 were received from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. In addition, three donations were pledged: $12,000 from the Thurston County Pickleball Club, $5,000 from the PARC Foundation, and a donation of a soccer mini-pitch from the Sounders RAVE Foundation.
The low bid of $17,757,757 is 26% below the engineer’s estimate. There is sufficient parks funding to complete this project.
Overall project costs:
Total Low Bid: $ 17,757,757
Contingency to Award (10%): $ 1,775,775
Engineering: Design, Inspection, Consultants $ 3,416,612
Permitting $ 2,166,316
Playground Equipment Purchase: $ 565,352
1% for the Arts $ 241,120
Total Estimated Project Cost: $ 25,922,932
Available Project Funding: $ 26,632,590
Options:
1. Move to approve the bid award for the Yelm Highway Community Park Phase 1 Project to Active Construction Inc.The project proceeds as planned with a November 2026 construction start.
2. Do not award the contract, reject all bids, and request that staff rebid the project. Delaying the project could result in higher bids and will require additional staff time to modify and rebid the project. Since OPARD received grant funding for this project, delays caused by rebidding the project could result in a loss of grant funding.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Summary of bids