Christopher Baker says Central Park improvements estimated at $3.75 million; staff will seek design proposals

Christopher Baker presented the BK Central Park Infrastructure Improvement Project update and summarized the final engineering report prepared by Walter P. Moore.

Baker described two layout options: Option 1a (a cul-de-sac that would not provide connectivity across the creek) and Option 1b (which would connect the stub at the backyard, include a one-way egress toward FM 620 and an additional parking area across from the Montessori school). "The cost of those improvements totals approximately $3,750,000," Baker told the board, adding that figure includes a 30% contingency to cover unknowns identified in the engineering analysis.

Baker said the report includes FEMA flood-zone analysis and structural analysis of the park bridge, and that staff will use the consultant's final engineering report to solicit proposals for design services. He noted life-safety considerations such as emergency-vehicle access and said staff will coordinate final design decisions (including whether to use Knox boxes or gates) with the fire department to avoid measures that would delay emergency response.

Board members asked clarifying questions about which existing roads would be used for access and whether the preferred layout included using the existing road versus building a new road. Baker confirmed Option 1b includes constructing the bridge connection to FM 620 and using the existing road stub to connect to the backyard; he said additional design work will refine those elements.