16-04-2025
East Peoria takes next step toward construction of splash pad at Levee Park
The City of East Peoria and the East Peoria Community Foundation have purchased the equipment for a splash pad at Levee Park, and the East Peoria City Council approved a bid for its installation during Tuesday's meeting.
East Peoria director of planning and development Ty Livingston said the city received two bids to install the splash pad, the coordinated lighting and additional seating. Illinois Civil Contractors, Inc. submitted a $523,785 bid. Aupperle Construction bid $538,777. Project engineer Robert Culp of the firm Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental said the company recommended Aupperle's slightly higher bid after discussions with city officials and the Community Foundation.
'Aupperle Construction included in their bid documents both a list of subcontractors and their qualifications pertaining to prior experience constructing Vortex splash pads,' Culp said in his report to the council. "Illinois Civil Contractors, Inc. did not include a list of subcontractors and did not include their qualifications indicating their prior experience.'
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The Community Foundation Board unanimously voted to recommend the approval of the bid from Aupperle Construction at their April meeting, according to Livingston.
'The East Peoria Community Foundation sought an experienced splashpad contractor who offered the ability to coordinate additional disciplines (including) electrical and plumbing for this project,' he added.
The council unanimously approved the resolution on its first reading. It will be laid on the table for public inspection for no less than one week.
Livingston indicated that installation of the splash pad, lighting, and seating can move forward this summer.
The project marks the final stage of a three-phase development plan for the new park.
Phase One included a reading garden that was dedicated in 2018 and features landscaping, seating, a paved path, and a Little Free Library drop box for books. Phase Two included the construction of a large multi-purpose plaza, a community stage, restrooms, and the installation of utilities. Phase Three projects also include an amphitheater with terraced seating.
According to the East Peoria Community Foundation, the total cost of the Levee Park development was $3 million, with the last phase projected to cost approximately $1 million. The foundation is funding the project entirely through grants and donations.
Levee Park is located at 401 W. Washington Street, East Peoria.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: East Peoria Council approves installation bid for Levee Park splash pad
