There is no money budgeted – yet. There is no design plan – yet. And there is no firm to tackle the project – yet. Still, the Port St. Lucie City Council is eager to get started on crafting a “world-class” playground at the under-development Westmoreland Riverfront Park just south of the Botanical Garden.
“Let’s not rush it,” Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan cautioned her fellow members earlier this month. “Let’s get it right.”
At issue was how much time the city would spend waiting for proposals from various design firms to create the water- and nature-themed playground. Initially, city staff pitched 30 days but upon further discussion with the council, agreed 60 days would be better.
“We’re not in a real big rush on this,” Councilman John Carvelli said, agreeing with Morgan to extend the timetable.
The city envisions a top-notch play structure near the center of the park that will serve as a “wow factor” and a “place-maker.”
The firms that staff plan to contact include those from large metropolitan areas including Tampa, St. Petersburg and Miami, all of which are home to creative playgrounds.
The Westmoreland Riverfront Park is slated to have a 1/3-acre, 15,000-square-foot playground, according to Community Redevelopment Agency Director Wes McCurry. He assured the council that the playground’s size and scope will not impinge on the restaurant also planned for the site.
McCurry said that, depending on what the firms propose, there is wiggle room to adjust the size of the play structure but still remain within its parameters.
“I just don’t want this to grow and mushroom,” Carvelli said.
Mayor Gregory Oravec encouraged staff to reach out to all the top-rated firms. He said it’s important to bring in an expert who can tie all the park’s elements together.
The Riverfront Park, once complete, will have a boardwalk along the river tying into other boardwalks to the north, a restaurant, and the historic village that consists of two buildings from Peacock Ranch.
Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Brad Keen agreed with the City Council’s desire for more time to get responses. He said even reaching out to the firms in Tampa, St. Pete and Miami would provide valuable insight.
While others on the council, including the mayor, agreed to extend the response schedule, they pressed staff to make sure there would be no other delays. “Let’s not dilly-dally on the back end,” Oravec said, telling staff they should run a diligent and efficient selection process.
Laura Sevillian, director of procurement management, assured the council that the firms would be notified in a variety of ways including emails and direct phone calls. She said once the advertising process is complete, the council could expect the review and selection process to take another 45 days or so.