MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. — The Paducah Sports Park is one step closer to becoming a reality. After years of planning and months of discussing the budget and contractors, the McCracken County Fiscal Court unanimously approved bid packages and a final budget of $65.6 million on Monday.
Sprinturf, LLC was awarded the bid package for materials and installation of artificial sports field turf in the amount of $6,321,087. Sprinturf, LLC was selected on the basis of being the best-evaluated bid.
Musco Sports Lighting, LLC was awarded the bid package for the materials and installation of sports lighting in the amount of $2,264,475. Musco Sports Lighting, LLC was selected on the basis of being the lowest and most responsive bidder.
A&K Construction of Paducah was awarded the bid packages for construction in the amount of $47,771,839. A&K Construction was selected on the basis of being the lowest and most responsive bidder.
Stafford-Smith, Inc. was awarded the bid package for materials and installation of food service equipment in the amount of $608,833. Stafford-Smith, Inc. was selected on the basis of being the sole responsive bidder.
There was a discussion of doing more work than what was outlined in the budget.
Commissioner Bill Bartleman proposed waiting an additional four to six weeks to approve bids to make changes to the contracts.
In the original design plans, there were five rectangular, five diamond fields, and a renovated grandstand. However, due to the long planning process and inflation, including all the fields and grandstand renovations, it drastically exceeded the budget.
The championship field and the grandstand were removed from the project.
Bartleman wanted to add about $2 million to the budget and reinstate the championship field in the contracts. That decision would’ve delayed bid approval by at least two weeks, if the fiscal court, city of Paducah, and contractors were able to decide by then.
To keep things moving, the fiscal court approved contracts with the hopes of modifying contracts once construction had begun.
The fiscal court approved five rectangular and four diamond fields for various sports.
Members also approved a memorial to Dr. Stuart Nelson, shelter and restroom facilities, concession stands, and picnic and playground areas.
Commissioner Eddie Jones said though this isn’t how they planned it, he’s excited to see things moving forward.
“It is surprising to me how long it’s taken to get from kicking the soccer ball that one day we did that outside the courthouse to here. And it’s surprising me how much that soccer ball costs,” Jones said.
Once construction starts, it’s estimated to take 13 months to complete. The facility is scheduled to open in 2025.
