Lehighton continues to get a clearer picture as to how much it may cost to beautify its downtown park.

Five companies turned in bids to the borough on Wednesday for the project, which calls for improvements to Col. Jacob Weiss Park.The upgrades are to include limited stormwater management improvements, new concrete paving and curb, restoration of existing features, and other indicated improvements.Kobalt Construction of Swiftwater turned in the apparent low base bid in the amount of $492,795.That proposal was $18,405 less than the next lowest bid of $511,200 turned in by Spotts Brothers of Schuylkill Haven.Other companies that bid were Bruce George Paving & Excavating of Kunkletown ($624,933); RGC Development of Bath ($728,077); and Bill Anskis Company of Elysburg, Northumberland County ($961,058).However, borough manager Nicole Beckett said there could be other factors that ultimately determine the project's total cost."The borough has also received alternate bids for landscaping options, pavers and parking meters, including the restoration of existing meters, replacement of meters, or installation of electronic kiosks," Beckett said. "The engineers will be reviewing the bids and will report back to my office."Beckett added that a recommendation for award will be made to borough council at its meeting Jan. 25.The project is being financed in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority.Beckett said the borough's Light & Power Department will be upgrading the lighting in the project as part of the grant match.