Rivers Edge Commons Park to be renovated by Vada Contracting

The Elk River City Council awarded a contract on Sept. 3 to Vada Contracting for a base bid of $151,380.45 and two alternates totaling more than $49,000 for additional retaining wall and fiber run to construct Rivers Edge Commons Park renovations.

The council also approved the use of the GRE Fund to pay for the park renovations. The GRE Fund has a balance of roughly $832,000.

Rivers Edge Commons Park was constructed in 2007 and later expanded in 2017. Most of the limestone seating has significant deterioration due to erosion. There has also been some vandalism. The City Council considered replacement alternatives during its work session on March 4. Staff members were directed to develop plans with HGKi to construct new concrete seating. Feedback related to the improvements was collected from the Parks and Recreation Commission during its meeting on July 10.

Project bids closed on Aug. 27 and there were seven bidders. HKGi estimated the project cost with the alternates included to be $282,873. The project bids ranged from $201,021 to $575,805.

Vada Contracting has experience in quality large block retaining wall installation and site work. A post-bid opening phone conversation with Aaron Haho about the project proved they had a thorough understanding of project conditions and requirements, according toe Amy Bower, of HKGi.