April 20, 2023 |
Photo – Never Forget Park Plans – Courtesy Town of Saratoga
Plans for Saratoga’s Never Forget Park have been finalized.
During Tuesday’s Saratoga town council meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis said the town’s oft delayed memorial park is finally ready for construction. Mayor Davis said WLC Engineering has submitted the finished designs.
The Never Forget Memorial Park began as a tribute to fallen Saratoga war hero, Sergeant Tyler Picket. Sgt. Picket was killed in action on June 8th, 2008, while serving in Iraq. As planning moved forward, the scope of the project evolved. The park would not only honor Sgt. Pickett, but all those who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of others, including the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Making the Never Forget Park a reality has been a long process. A proposed land deal was nixed at the last minute when it was discovered the town was offering a valuable parcel in exchange for a small strip of dirt at the proposed park site. Construction plans needed to be redesigned to accommodate the smaller footprint.
The town finally received a completed curb and gutter design package last September. The project was shelved during winter. With spring around the corner, work can finally begin.
Mayor Davis said the engineering firm’s plans include the total cost of the project, but he wouldn’t provide that information. The town must advertise for contractors and having the actual price publicly known would affect the bidding process.
According to the official Never Forget Park website, neverforgetpark.com, the estimated final cost is $745,000.
Mayor Davis suggested council wait until after budget hearing before going out to bid on the park project. Councilman Jerry Fluty asked if, in the meantime, the Never Forget Park committee had enough money to begin the project. Mayor Davis said no. He said the committee’s Wyo Star account contains $178,000. The council approved $100,000 for the park from the previous budget.
Mayor Davis said waiting until after the budget hearings would also allow Never Forget Park committee member Stacy Crimmins to receive word on several grant applications, totaling another $150,000.
It appears that $278,000 is not enough money to begin construction of the park.
The council agreed to wait until budget talks begin before advertising for contractor bids on the Never Forget Park.
