TEMPLE TERRACE — The Riverside Park project is officially moving into its next stage after the Temple Terrace City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing phase one.
The resolution, passed Feb. 3, authorizes Halff and Associates, the consulting and design firm handling the project, to being permitting and contract bidding.
The council held a public workshop on Jan. 8, deciding to break the project into phases as the overall price tag for the park rose.
It worked out some of the final details with Halff, keeping what it deemed most important in phase one, while holding off on some other improvements for later.
According to Halff, the first phase will cost roughly $3.44 million. That includes more than $950,000 in contingencies to deal with uncertain construction pricing and conditions. Karl Langefeld, the city’s Leisure Services Director, said the $3.44 million figure could change once bids begin rolling in.
The renovated park is expected to play a key role in the revitalization of the downtown area between Bullard Parkway and the Hillsborough River and bordered to the east by N. 56th Street. The city has $3.8 million available for the project.
The bulk of the funding, around $3 million, will come from the city’s unassigned fund balance.
The project will also draw on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds through the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Finance director James Ingram said the county previously allocated $400,000 in TIF funds prior to this current year’s budget, when it added another $400,000.
The council has insisted the first phase include a riverwalk boardwalk, a small parking lot, upgraded bathrooms and a concrete pathway around Springdale pond.
At the workshop, the council also expressed hope that the observation tower on the river shore could be squeezed into the first phase.
A fishing pier, kayak launch and large open lawn area could potentially be incorporated in later phases.