The Warrensburg City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Monday to hire a contractor for a new inclusive playground at Cave Hollow Park.
Cunningham Recreation was awarded the contract worth about $363,000. The project is funded by donations and a $150,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, according to city information.
“I hope to bring the community together in something that could hopefully grow from having a park like this… I believe it is important to make sure everyone feels as if they are a part of something, no matter where they may be,” said Mayor Bryan Jacobs.
Five companies submitted bids for the project and Cunningham was the second lowest bidder. An evaluation team consisting of Johnson County Board of Services staff, the Inclusive Playground Committee, and Warrensburg Parks and Recreation staff selected Cunningham.
“They were not the lowest bid, but they were the best bid,” said Dodee Matthews, Parks and Recreation director.
The evaluation team reported that Cunningham “showed a real connection to the project,” according to city documents. The company supplied a letter from the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association in support of the project and met the team’s needs for the park that would be suitable for all children and young adults, according to city information.
Scott Holmberg, JCBS executive director, said the project may be completed in phases.
“I hope for the best but I realize when I started this project it would have to be done in phases and get more equipment later on… It can get expensive,” he said.
Matthews said they will not spend any more than donated but must have 85 percent of the donation funds before ordering the new equipment by December.  Holmberg said they have $90,000 so far.
The goal is to break ground in January with construction continuing through February and March and the park opening by May 2018.