Are Clearwater taxpayers prepared to pay close to $4.4 million to upgrade Dutch Lake Park and the nearby Bampton Recreation Area?
That was the question town council was asking after looking at consultants Urban Systems' design report during their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
The report detailed a concept plan for Bampton Recreation Area that integrates with a previous design plan by Stantec for Dutch Lake Park (the District acquired the recreation area after the plan was done).
Major item on the bill would be $684,000 to build a new concrete block amenity building to replace the existing washroom/change room facilities.
The new building would include a concession. A plaza would partially surround the building and connect with adjacent park features.
An asphalt parking lot plus a multi-use path was estimated to cost $400,000.
The parking lot would include a small roundabout in front of the amenity building plus bus parking.
A boardwalk along the shore of Dutch Lake is projected to cost $236,000.
The existing dock would be relocated and increased in size.
A second dock would frame the high use aquatic area. It would lead out to a floating gazebo, would provide comfortable seating and viewing.
The key feature in the Bampton Recreation Area would be a small amphitheatre. Focal point of the amphitheatre would be a stage set within an earthen berm and flanked by planting to create a naturalistic effect.
Because of the projected cost, town council will ask the consultants to break the project down into several phases.
Council also will have the Dutch Lake Beach/Bampton Recreation Area plan shown for public comment during a budget open house to be held Feb. 12.