Independence Park Improvement Project

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Expected Completion
Spring 2019

Grand Reopening Celebration
Spring 2019 July 4, 2019

Check out this highlight of Phase 1 renovations in Independence Park.

The project follows the 2007 Bond concept. Construction for this project is expected to conclude in July 2019. The project includes:

The addition of an Amphitheater with a covered stage for special events
Reorientation of the park entrance to Pearland Parkway
New landscaping
Relocation and replacement of the existing playground with a tree house themed accessible playground
Improvements to the existing pavilion including improved drainage, resurfacing the court, and new basketball goals
Additional parking

This Fourth of July marks the 43rd birthday of Independence Park, so we could think of no better way to celebrate than to host The Celebration of Freedom at the newly renovated park. View Celebration of Freedom event information.

This project is part of the city’s effort to ensure Quality Parks, Recreation and Events – one of Pearland City Council’s six Strategic Priorities. For more information on this project and other City Capital Improvement Projects, visit pearlandtx.gov/projects. To view a facility map for this project and others, log on to the Capital Improvement Projects webpage.

Parks Master Plan

Project Updates

2019

June

The Independence Park Improvement Project has seen the following tasks completed since the last update:

Completed Tasks	Additional Highlights
Completion of stage and playground Installation of park monument sign Installation of sod throughout the berm and park for run-off control Striping of new parking lot and new turn lane on Pearland Parkway Bare areas received hydro-mulch Installed area drain at the sound booth	Tunnel mural in progress Cleanup and debris removal in progress Roadway stabilization ongoing at the stage loading dock driveway Next steps include close-out process

View the full memo from June 13.

March

The Independence Park Improvement Project has seen the following tasks completed since the last update:

Completed tasks	Additional Highlights
Pedestrian bridge removed following inspection revealed bridge was structurally unsafe Concrete masonry unit walls for dressing rooms and restrooms at the stage Installed drainage at the wing walls of the tunnels to alleviate water intrusion Parking lot and roadway asphalt repaired for low spots holding water Planted trees throughout the park; continuing to plant trees near the playground	Contractor has added additional resources to the project to make up for weather delays Playground area posts, slides, and swing set installed; play structure roof built Rough-in electrical and plumbing for stage ongoing Sod installation and site grading ongoing to assist with run-off, erosion, and water flow

View the full memo from March 28.

January

The Independence Park Improvement Project has seen the following tasks completed since the last update:

Completed Tasks	Additional Highlights
Installation of irrigation system drips, heads, and laterals Tree well excavation and tree planting/replacement Graded playground site area Completed pavement of parking lot and roadway asphalt Plant installation by landscape design: 80% complete Formed and poured foundation for stage building Installed stage building plumbing and electrical tie-ins	Stage building and playground materials arrived onsite. Both areas will be built simultaneously Asphalt paving throughout the park is complete

View the full memo from January 24.

2018

November

The Independence Park Improvement Project has seen the following tasks completed since the last update:

Completed tasks
Installation of permanent power to the park Complete functionality of parking lot lights and high mast lights Pouring of decorative sidewalk to new restrooms and playground area, tunnel sidewalk, and sidewalks located at the base of the berm Installation of electrical and plumbing to the restrooms Removal of tree protection and grass landscaping Approval for updated stage design Installation of gates and guard rails at the tunnel

Completed tasks

Installation of permanent power to the park

Complete functionality of parking lot lights and high mast lights

Pouring of decorative sidewalk to new restrooms and playground area, tunnel sidewalk, and sidewalks located at the base of the berm

Installation of electrical and plumbing to the restrooms

Removal of tree protection and grass landscaping

Approval for updated stage design

Installation of gates and guard rails at the tunnel

View the full memo from November 21.

September

The Independence Park Improvement Project has seen the following tasks completed since the last update:

Completed tasks	Additional Highlights
Installation of irrigation system drips, heads, and laterals Tree well excavation and tree planting/replacement Graded playground site area Completed pavement of parking lot and roadway asphalt Plant installation by landscape design: 80% complete Formed and poured foundation for stage building Installed stage building plumbing and electrical tie-ins	Council approved for the redesign of the stage building to better structurally support a sound and lighting system Stage building redesign will also increase power running to the stage building

View the full memo from September 20.

July

The Independence Park Improvement Project has seen the following tasks completed since the last update:

Completed tasks	Additional Highlights
Headwall and headwall foundation formed and poured on both ends of the tunnel running through the center of the berm Backfill behind headwalls completed Installed irrigation trunks around the berm and through the medians	Council approved for the redesign of the stage building to better structurally support a sound and lighting system Stage building redesign will also increase power running to the stage building

View the full memo from July 18.

May

The Independence Park Improvement Project is showing a need for additional operational capabilities for the stage building. Addressing the following needs brings the stage building to a level that can be used to promote Pearland arts and culture.

Current Status

Preliminary estimates for structural changes, additional electrical within the building and site, and modifications to the stage building foundation for loading/unloading of stage and performance equipment totals to approximately $227,225.00.

Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board meeting approved a motion to fund the changes for the Independence Park Performance. Staff will request City Council approve the use of CVB funds to provide these changes.

Amendments will also be required between the City and each of the contractors working on the Independence Park Improvements Project Phase I. The amendments for each of the contractors-- Talley Landscape, Kraftsman, and Harper Brothers Construction, will include changes in the design scope of the stage building and electrical system and electrical work.

Concerns

Structural integrity of the building to hang and conceal truss lighting and sound system equipment, weighing approximately 6,000 pounds
Electrical capacity to support major events with sound and light within the building, loading areas, and the height of the building
Stage building originally design for minor performances with the understanding that light and sound towers would be portable. Such an arrangement would only accommodate very small music events.

View the full memo from May 10.

February

The Independence Park Improvement Project has seen the following tasks completed since the last update:

Completed tasks
Utility (sewer and water) installed Tunnel installed at park berm Directional boring under Pearland Parkway for sewer connection complete Restroom facility installed with plumbing connections

View the full memo from February 15.

2017

December

The Independence Park Improvement Project has seen the following tasks completed since the last update:

Completed tasks
Installed 2" water line from City supply to new restroom facilities and to new stage building Staked for construction of earthen-berm amphitheater Executed tree protection plan

View the full memo from December 14.

September

The Independence Park Improvement Project requires additional purchase contracts for material and equipment to be procured. The contracts include design and construction for a stage/dressing room building and for the installation of a playground as part of the Phase I project. The stage/dressing room building form the centerpiece of the amphitheater for live entertainment, while the playground forms the centerpiece of the all-access children's portion of the park.

Contract Details and Need for Stage/Dressing Room Building
Design and construction of stage building, stage area, air-conditioned dressing rooms, private restrooms, and electrical service Will provide a public gathering space for arts, culture, and entertainment Provide a gathering space for cultural tourism, increased visitor interest, and enhanced artistic park environment Total cost for shelter and stage: $368,911.00

Contract Details and Need for Playground
Contract includes relocation, replacement, and expansion of existing playground to an all-inclusive playground to provides access for residents with passive recreation opportunities for all age groups and abilities Features a recycled play structure with ramps. Recommended for age 5-12, with a 277-person capacity Amenities featured: four slides, trapeze rings, balance beams, forts with rooftops, cargo net climber, foot bridges, three handicap access points, crawl tunnel, vertical and horizontal climbers, games, etc. Creates an aesthetically pleasing play space for children's use Provides for an inclusive destination for residents and visitors Will feature increased safety with new and clean area that meets national playground standards Total cost of new playground: $299,466.00

Contract Details and Need for Playground

Contract includes relocation, replacement, and expansion of existing playground to an all-inclusive playground to provides access for residents with passive recreation opportunities for all age groups and abilities

Features a recycled play structure with ramps. Recommended for age 5-12, with a 277-person capacity

Amenities featured: four slides, trapeze rings, balance beams, forts with rooftops, cargo net climber, foot bridges, three handicap access points, crawl tunnel, vertical and horizontal climbers, games, etc.

Creates an aesthetically pleasing play space for children's use

Provides for an inclusive destination for residents and visitors

Will feature increased safety with new and clean area that meets national playground standards

Total cost of new playground: $299,466.00

Staff recommend that Council award both contracts for installation of the new playground and for the design and construction of a stage building

View for the full memo from September 28.

August

The Independence Park Phase I project advertised for bids on June 14, 2017 and June 21. Four potential bidders attended the mandatory pre-bid conference held on June 22 and submitting bids. The engineer’s construction estimate for the project is $3,500,000.00.

After reviewing all bid packages, the Selection Committee met with Harper Brothers Construction and HouScape, Inc. to discuss project specifics and value engineering alternatives. Both were asked to return "best and final" offers by August 10. Finals offers were:

Harper Brothers Construction: $3,617,116.00
HouScape, Inc.: $3,756,866.00

Discussions with the Parks & Recreation Department concerning budget resulted in the removal of other bid alternates. Removing alternates from Harper Brothers' bid equates to an award amount of $3,442,424.00

Staff recommends construction contract be awarded to Harper Brothers Construction in the amount of $3,442,424.00

View for the full memo from August 17.

May

May 25

The Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Advisory Board met and approved a motion to support funding up to $390,000 for the Independence Park Stage on April 18. CVB also requested:

Funding be set aside in the FY2018 Hotel/Motel Occupancy budget for the Independence Park Improvement Project.

Funds be raised by the Forever Parks Foundation to be allocated to the Pearland CVB/Hotel Motel Occupancy tax fund for reimbursement for the project.

A Memo of Understanding be drafted between CVB and the Forever Parks Foundation to commemorate the understanding.

CVB have the avility to book the facility for CVB-related and sponsored event and activities in the future at no cost to CVB

View for the full memo from May 25.

May 18

The Independence Park Improvement Project Phase One is undergoing preparations for plans and bids.

Highlights
90 percent of plans are currently under review by all involved departments CVB met to discuss financial participation for the stage/changing rooms. Staff await to learn results and potential level of participation Estimates for construction methods of stage and restrooms will be evaluated Proposed playground structure and design will be evaluated Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be used for procurement. The CSP process will include alternate items to ensure construction consts stay within project budget. Parks & Recreation staff anticipate closing majority of the Park on May 26. Parks will decommission equipment, salve items for re-use, and demolish some structure prior to contractor start date. Staff will determine if walking trail, Dog Park, and parking near Mary's Creek along Liberty Drive will remain open Bid advertisement projected for June 2017

Highlights

90 percent of plans are currently under review by all involved departments

CVB met to discuss financial participation for the stage/changing rooms. Staff await to learn results and potential level of participation

Estimates for construction methods of stage and restrooms will be evaluated

Proposed playground structure and design will be evaluated

Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be used for procurement. The CSP process will include alternate items to ensure construction consts stay within project budget.

Parks & Recreation staff anticipate closing majority of the Park on May 26. Parks will decommission equipment, salve items for re-use, and demolish some structure prior to contractor start date.

Staff will determine if walking trail, Dog Park, and parking near Mary's Creek along Liberty Drive will remain open

Bid advertisement projected for June 2017

View for the full memo from May 18.

February

The Independence Park Improvement Project Phase One is undergoing preparations for plans and bids.

Highlights
60 percent of plans reviewed. Comments provided and design process continues Refinement concerning excavation and grading for the berm and playground component continue Park renovations reviewed for prefabricated handicap accessible restroom building also featuring family restrooms Consultant continues to refine probably cost of construction Bids planned to include add-alternate items to ensure project stays within budget

Highlights

60 percent of plans reviewed. Comments provided and design process continues

Refinement concerning excavation and grading for the berm and playground component continue

Park renovations reviewed for prefabricated handicap accessible restroom building also featuring family restrooms

Consultant continues to refine probably cost of construction

Bids planned to include add-alternate items to ensure project stays within budget

View for the full memo from February 2.

2016

December

The Independence Park Improvement Project Improvement Project Phase 1 was selected to receive an Honorable Mention from the Houston-Galveston Area Council Parks and Natural Areas Awards in the Planning Process category.

The HGAC commended the leadership exhibited by the City of Pearland, and said, "The project serves as a model for other projects in the 13-county region."

View the full memo from December 6.

November

The Independence Park Improvement Project has seen the following tasks completed since the last update:

Highlights
Consultant submitted 60 percent plans. Staff has begun review of plans. Plans for new entryway will include a left turn lane on Pearland Parkway and a larger bus drop off area for special events Plans fr berm show the berm will serve as a seating area and a sound buffer Proposed tunnel through the berm to feature lighting and could host art installations. Berm will face the stage. Playground area to include accessible play elements including swings and sand play area Additional parking planned along the perimeter of the park Staff considering prefabricated building restroom to replace existing non-handicap accessible/non-code compliant restroom

Highlights

Consultant submitted 60 percent plans. Staff has begun review of plans.

Plans for new entryway will include a left turn lane on Pearland Parkway and a larger bus drop off area for special events

Plans fr berm show the berm will serve as a seating area and a sound buffer

Proposed tunnel through the berm to feature lighting and could host art installations. Berm will face the stage.

Playground area to include accessible play elements including swings and sand play area

Additional parking planned along the perimeter of the park

Staff considering prefabricated building restroom to replace existing non-handicap accessible/non-code compliant restroom

View the full memo from November 29.

September

The Independence Park Master Plan from 2007 was evaluated and updated with current information and information from the City Parks Needs Survey

Phase 1 design for the project has reached 30 percent Schematic stage.

View the full memo from September 8.

April

The Independence Park Improvement Project Background

Background and Need

Independence Park is one of the City's oldest and most recognized parks, and holds the second highest utilization of all City Park facilities. As such, improvements to Independence Park are considered a high priority under the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Phase 1 was improved in the 2007 Bond Package and included in the FY2016 Capital Improvement Program.

The project seeks to bring amenities up to the standard that is required by use, safety, or age. Emphasis will be placed on improving outdated amenities and increased programming for passive recreation, programming for families, fitness, non-sports activities, and special events for all city parks facilities.

Phase 1 Scope
Phase 1 begins transformation of the park from an active recreation park into a passive recreation park. Improvements will include:
Reorientation of the park entry to Pearland Parkway A small amphitheater stage and sloped berm seating area for special events Relocation and replacement of the playground as an accessible all-inclusive play area Additional parking Improvements to electrical and lighting Minor architectural detail additions and resurfacing of the courts as the existing pavilion Fiber connectivity and landscaping Active recreation activities such as youth sports will move to new facilities to better support those activities. Existing soccer field use will relocate to Hickory Slough Sportsplex Uses such as the outdoor swimming pool, pool house, dog park, and tennis courts will remain and are not included in the phase of improvements.

Phase 1 Scope

Phase 1 begins transformation of the park from an active recreation park into a passive recreation park. Improvements will include:

Reorientation of the park entry to Pearland Parkway

A small amphitheater stage and sloped berm seating area for special events

Relocation and replacement of the playground as an accessible all-inclusive play area

Additional parking

Improvements to electrical and lighting

Minor architectural detail additions and resurfacing of the courts as the existing pavilion

Fiber connectivity and landscaping

Active recreation activities such as youth sports will move to new facilities to better support those activities.

Existing soccer field use will relocate to Hickory Slough Sportsplex

Uses such as the outdoor swimming pool, pool house, dog park, and tennis courts will remain and are not included in the phase of improvements.

View the full memo from April 14.

Design Overview

Phase 1

Click image to enlarge.

Concept from Parks Master Plan

Click image to enlarge.