By Scott White Woodford Sun Staff Richard Pictor, executive director of Versailles-Woodford County Parks & Recreation, presented more details of a major parks project to the Versailles City Council at its Oct. 10 meeting. The last time the project was discussed, Pictor was asked to return with cost projections and priorities of the various aspects of the project. Pictor reported on nine distinct sub-parts: Big Spring Park front of park renovation; baseball field lighting; new pickleball courts; Huntertown Park walking path; outdoor basketball courts; a new multi-purpose field; turf infields for youth softball and baseball fields, one each; an upgrade in playground equipment at all city parks with two existing parks brought into the system (Walton and Stout); and development of a concept for an additional, new county park. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $6 million which will be apportioned between the City of Versailles and Woodford County. Pictor emphasized that the costs were estimates based on similar projects and cost opinions. Further, he said the total cost would change related to the actual bidding process as well as possible grants that would be applied to reduce local government costs or enable the project to include other items in the scope of work. For example, Pictor said they would apply for a trail and water grant relating to the Huntertown Park project and, if awarded, other features at the historical park could be added. He also pointed out that the playground equipment contract would include both Big Spring and the other parks, which would provide more leverage in cutting the total costs by allowing them to make a single purchase instead of multiple ones, as well as savings realized by repurposing equipment at other parks. Councilmember Laura Drake asked about the timing of the project. Pictor said, “Big Spring Park is the number one priority as the park will need to be closed for nine to 10 months. So, we hope to be able to send out requests for proposals for the construction contractor and management company. Once the awards are made, I’d like to start in March 2024 so we can do a small reopening in the fall of 2024 and a full-scale reopening in spring 2025.” He added that they would do a “big PR push in the spring to let folks know about the closing and that they should use the other parks.” Pictor said the baseball lighting, pickleball courts, Huntertown and field turf jobs would roll out as grant application decisions were received, which would then inform the bid process on those parts of the project. Mayor Brian Traugott said, “I took a stab on a structure (on funding and requirements on Parks for communicating with the council and getting funds released) that could be a starting point for agreeing on details,” and noted that the process would require “numerous ordinances and discussions.” Fire Department grant Fire Chief T.A. Rankin informed the council that the department had received a $286,000 Kentucky Homeland Security grant which was the second highest in the state. The funds will be used to purchase a Paratech Search and Rescue trailer. In thanking Rankin for identifying the grant and obtaining council approval several months ago to apply, Traugott said the fire department’s expertise and resources were “a major bonus for Versailles, making us all safer.” Versailles revitalization project sponsorships The City Council approved nine sponsorship agreements to help fund the Versailles Revitalization Project. The sponsors are each contributing $100,000 over a 10- or 20-year period of time: City National Bank; William and Laura Dake; Joe and Debbie Gravis Foundation; Community Trust Bank; Central Kentucky Ag Credit; Woodford County Community Fund; William Stamps Farish Fund; and, Ruggles Sign Co. Brown-Forman Corporation will be donating $10,000 a year for three years and the same amount for each year it chooses to continue. The sponsors will receive a logo plaque at the entrance, regular recognition, links of their choosing from the city’s website, the downtown revitalization website, the Wonderful Woodford Christmas website, the tourism website as well as a feature in the Versailles e-newsletter, mention on one water utility bill with a link to the sponsor, free use of the pavilion and stage once a year that does not conflict with a city event, brand visibility at every entry point and Legacy Partner graphics. Dake abstained from voting on the contract between the city and her and her husband, William. Contract for services Council approved Qk4, Inc., as the winning bidder for engineering services for the Lexington Street Streetscape Plan. Traugott will now negotiate a contract which will be submitted to the council for approval.
Neighborhood grant
The City Council approved a grant of $6,185 to Huntertown Glen Homeowners Association for a beautification project and new signage at the subdivision’s entrance.
Grant acceptance
The City Council accepted a grant of $182,000 from the Kentucky Division of Highways for the resurfacing of Chinoe Road and Schoolhouse Road.