Subject:
Title
Request to award a design contract to Bowman Consulting Firm for the Southside Park Ball Field Improvements Project (5 Min. Staff Presentation)
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
Oct. 27, 2025 - Approve 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) - Southside Park Ballfields 1 & 2 Refurbishment
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The Parks and Recreation Department (DPR) requests Town Council approval to proceed with a contract in the amount of $248,566.95 with Bowman Consulting Firm to provide engineering services for site investigation and survey, public engagement and conceptual design, preliminary design services and construction documentation services utilizing the on call Civil Engineering contract RFP 23-37.
This project proposes a comprehensive reconstruction of Southside Fields #1 and #2, along with a range of supporting site and facility improvements to enhance playability, safety, accessibility, and user experience. The project will include surveying, design, and engineering services, followed by construction. Town staff met with current ballfield user groups to gather input on needs and priorities for the refurbishment project, which have been incorporated into Bowman’s proposal.
Field Improvements:
Reconstruction of Fields #1 and #2 will include amending, grinding, laser grading, and seeding of playing surfaces, along with improved drainage and installation of an irrigation system. Additional field upgrades include warning tracks, foul poles, and maintenance access between fields.
Facility Enhancements:
New prefabricated dugouts, bleachers with score tables and shade structures, scoreboards and lighted batting cages and pitching lanes will be added. Athletic lighting will be upgraded to energy-efficient MUSCO LED systems with lights added to Field #2 (nearest Ross Drive). The existing basketball court will be refurbished. ADA-accessible seating and assembly areas will be incorporated.
Site Improvements:
Work will include replacing perimeter fencing, upgrading parking areas at the Southside Park entrance and Ross Drive, SW, replacing the metal railing at the creek crossing, and designating material storage and trash receptacle areas.
Currently, the fields experience poor drainage, lack an irrigation system, and aging lighting infrastructure, with Field #1 lights over 30 years old.
NEXT STEPS: Complete the design phase and request approval for the construction phase at a subsequent Town Council meeting.
EXPECTED COMPLETION TIME FRAME: Complete design by fall 2026 and award construction in the winter 2027.
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Finance Recommendation: Recommend approval of Bowman Consulting Firm contract in the amount of $248,566.95 for engineering and design services for Southside Park Ball Fields.
Purchasing Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town of Vienna has a contract with the Bowman Consulting Firm for engineering services and the Town Council may approve the proposed appropriation in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve spending with Bowman Consulting Firm for the Southside Park Ball Field Improvements, as presented.
Cost and Financing: $248,600
Project Name: SOUTHSIDE PARK-BALLFIELDS #1& #2
Account Number: 300-026-1071-39470-48801
Account String: 726SSPKBFR-DESIGN-Parks
Prior Funding Approval: CIP Budget 2026
Decision Needed by This date: May 18, 2026
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to approve spending of $248,566.95 with Bowman Consulting Firm to provide engineering and design services for the Southside Park Ball Field Improvements Project."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.