EVERETT — When construction is completed at Lions Park later this year, visitors will be able to drink with the dogs.
A drinking fountain for people with a little dish below for their dogs is one planned feature for the revamped park at 7530 Cascade Drive.
“I’m really ecstatic that we are going to be working on a significant project in southern part of Everett,” said Everett Parks and Recreation director Paul Kaftanski.
Last week, the Everett City Council voted to boost its budget for Lions Park improvements to $1.2 million, from an initial $436,000.
In a related vote, the council selected Faber Brothers Construction of Lynden as the project contractor. The firm is expected to begin work in early February and finish this spring.
The playground, which is now about 1,000 square feet, will grow to about 7,000 square feet.
New equipment will be installed, including swings designed to accommodate physically challenged people, and exercise equipment that parents can use to stay in shape while keeping an eye on their kids.
The revamped three-acre park will also see the installation of solar-powered compacting trash cans. Similar cans used elsewhere have helped reduce the number of trips park employees must make to pick up trash.
Other improvements include:
A half-court basketball area;
New and wider walking paths;
Replacing the nonregulation baseball field with open space;
Removal of trees and the addition of parking;
Better signs and amenities to help the blind enjoy the park.
Crews will also flatten out some of the park’s hilly terrain.
Kaftanski said the bidding process for the project was among the most competitive he has ever seen.
Faber Brothers’ successful bid was the lowest of nearly two dozen turned in by companies competing for the job. Its bid was 30 percent below the city engineer’s estimate.
Just a few years ago, when the economy was soaring and construction crews and supplies were in high demand, the city was forced to re-bid several construction projects because bids were either too high or no companies were willing to do the work.
Reporter David Chircop: 425-339-3429 or dchircop@heraldnet.com.
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