Playground surface, tree removal on tap at Brackenridge Memorial Park

The wait was worth it for Brackenridge officials.

Council last month dismissed a bid of more than $200,000 for safety improvements at Memorial Park and were able to green-light the work for half the price.

The project includes removing trees and installing a new rubber surface at the fenced-in park, which is sandwiched between First Avenue and the Allegheny River.

The cost will be $85,000 for the 2,500-square-foot playground mat. Trees will be taken down for $14,999.

Council approved the project July 6.

“This will definitely improve safety and cut down on the weeds,” Councilman Dino Lopreiato said. “I can’t wait for this to happen for the kids.”

The work will cost taxpayers only slightly.

The borough received a $95,400 grant through the state Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program.

Sports and Recreation Associates of Apollo will install the safety surface. It will replace the current wood-chip flooring.

Barton’s Tree Service, based in Kittanning, landed the contract for tree removal. Several of the large trees around the park will be taken out in advance of a walking trail to be constructed later this year.

Borough representatives were unsure when the work would begin.

In June, council was surprised to receive only one bid on the project.

Council President Tim Connelly said the high bid was the result of a combined spec for the playground and tree work.

Contractors for the playground would have to hire subcontractors for the tree work, increasing costs. Likewise, tree removal contractors wouldn’t bid on the project because they didn’t want the resurfacing work, he said.

In the meantime, Brackenridge still is anticipating work on the second phase of a walking trail by nonprofit Friends of the Riverfront.

Work on the first phase of the trail kicked off in early April. It stretches off-road along First Avenue, from Mile Lock Lane to Morgan Street.

Courtney Mahronich Vita, Friends’ director of trail development, said the second leg will wind through Brackenridge Memorial Park and will be constructed later this year.