A new sports field and park amenity is coming to Burke Mountain’s Smiling Creek Park — but it won’t come cheap.
The project, which will include a full-size sports field, trail network and retaining wall, was projected to cost $1.4 million when council was presented with preliminary estimates back in January.
But the final price tag has since doubled to $2.8 million “based on more detailed cost projections, which reflect a substantial increase in site preparation and overall project costs,” according to a city staff report.
Council voted unanimously Monday on the final detailed design and budget for the park, which will be built next to Smiling Creek school and operated jointly by the city and School District 43.
When the park is completed, it will add a full-sized, irrigated, sand-based natural grass field to accommodate soccer and other uses. A city staff report said that a ball diamond backstop would also be included, although there are no plans for base paths at this time and a dugout is not expected to be built. The park will include decorative sidewalks, a mini plaza and a trail system.
This is the second cost overrun announced this week but different from the close to $1 million hike for the Town Centre Park amphitheatre and Rochester Park because the initial Smiling Creek price was a projection, not a fully designed and budgeted project.
PRINCETON PARK
The property at Princeton Avenue and Trafalgar Street is currently a film set for the popular television series Wayward Pines but by the end of the year, it will be home to Coquitlam’s newest park.
Princeton Park’s final detailed budget and design was passed unanimously by city council Monday, allocating $906,500 to upgrade the 0.7-acre site.
The plans include a park entry feature, a play area for children of all ages, built-in seating around the playground and a pathway system within the park. There will also be an informal grass picnic area.
Construction is expected to begin this summer and finish by the end of the year.
@gmckennaTC
