Sunbury — City parks officials told council Oct. 1 that the JR Smith park project is moving from design toward bidding, with financing discussions continuing.

Councilmember Cooper said the project’s design was at about 60% and the city expects to have 90% drawings by Oct. 8. “She was expecting to get 90% to her by October 8. So here real soon, she expects that, and she's hoping that we can go out to bid in November,” Cooper said. Staff said they hope to have a contract in place by the end of the year.

Committee members and staff discussed estimated costs and funding: officials said they are anticipating the project will cost about $3 million to $3.5 million, and noted a $1 million placeholder from American Rescue Plan Act funds and a Department of Natural Resources grant among already-identified funding sources. Councilmembers also discussed pursuing bank financing and said the city adviser and bond counsel were engaged to review options.

Parks and Recreation also weighed a donation and sponsorship framework for smaller and larger donors, including potential naming or recognition elements tied to contribution levels. “We have a donation policy set now,” Cooper said; staff will refine levels and present details to council when available.

Councilmembers said they anticipate a ceremonial groundbreaking when the project begins and a ribbon-cutting when it completes.

What happens next: Staff will finish design milestones, solicit bids if the 90% design is completed and return to council with financing terms and a final cost estimate before contracting.