Gateway Park - What Would You Like To See

On Tuesday night at the City Council meeting there will be a vote on whether to continue with the current design for the Gateway Park at the corner of US 1 and Edgewood Road or to go forward with a less intensive and expensive option. While my District 1 colleague has done an excellent job of communicating most of the history of this project, I strongly disagree that it still makes sense to continue with the consultant’s current design.

The projected completion cost of the project at this point is $ 1,525,260. Of the $508,249 that has been expended so far $357,901 was for the purchase of property and $22,000 was to demolish the existing house. This money will not have been wasted if we move forward with a different design. Current construction costs are estimated at $803,000, however, these are estimates and are not based on contractor bids. I predict if we move forward with the current design costs for the park will reach 2 million by the time the project is completed. The current design is challenging for the less than ¼ acre park (6800 sq ft main site and two access parcels being purchased). Moving forward with a less intensive project will ensure that this highly visible entrance to our community will look attractive much sooner, and it also will save Program Open Space* money that might be used at other locations for a dog park, playground upgrades, a community center, or other long-awaited and more beneficial recreational uses.

To be clear, I am not suggesting that we abandon the corner at US 1 and Edgewood or leave it in its current condition. I am asking that we move forward in a fiscally responsible way to promptly complete the project consistent with the original intention - a park that has the basics, attractive vegetation, signage, and some artwork.

Unfortunately, there has never had a spending cap or budget to stay within for this project. I suggest we set that cap and use the current cost estimates to choose the amenities that make sense at this location. I suggest we cap spending at 1.2 million that gives us $692,750 to complete the Gateway Park.

Please think about which items you think make sense for this location. Will you be inclined to have a picnic at a pavilion located adjacent to one of the most dangerous intersections in the area and bordered on two sides by guard rail? Will you appreciate seeing evergreen trees, shrubs? Which will you appreciate more interpretive signage or Welcome to North College Park sign?

Please weigh in at cpmc@collegeparkmd.gov with how much you are willing to spend and what you would like to see in the Gateway Park.