The latest step in a Memorial Park revitalization project is on Jim Thorpe Borough Council’s docket for its meeting Thursday.

Council is set to vote on bids for the first two phases of the project, which primarily deal with a new playground and fitness area designed for 2- to 5-year-olds and the construction of a playground catering to 5- to 12-year-olds.

LB/DB Construction submitted the lowest base bid at $396,285 with the borough considering adding several alternates to utilize the $432,561 it has in grant funding for the project.

The borough received grants from both the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Department of Community and Economic Development.

“If the bids are awarded next week, it is possible for construction to start in September,” Bryan Smith of Barry Isett and Associates told council during a workshop meeting Thursday.

The key objective of Phases I and II is to create age-specific play areas, borough officials said, addressing the issue of misuse and vandalism that often occurs when play equipment meant for toddlers is accessed by older children.

“Phase I focuses on revitalizing vandalized spaces, while Phase II goes a step further by establishing a dedicated play site and a sensory garden,” borough staff wrote in a grant application for the project. “This approach not only serves older age groups but also addresses the needs of underserved ADA demographics, fostering diverse and inclusive recreational opportunities.”

The project includes site preparation, including the removal of existing play structures, construction of the playground and sensory garden, water supply line installation, lighting, utilities and associated professional fees.

The Phase II playground will be strategically located on the western side of the park, adjacent to the fitness area and south of the Phase I playground.

“The design includes a pour-in-place rubber safety surface, concrete curbing, and ADA flexible play equipment tailored for 5- to 12-year-olds,” the grant application states.

According to Smith, alternates that council is considering include the reinstallation of the current 5-12-year-old playground equipment that is still in good condition in a different area of the park.

“Other alternates would be the addition of an extended ADA walking path and the milling and overlay of the parking area,” Smith said.

“DCNR requires that we provide ADA accessible parking. There is some paved area now but its condition is not great for ADA access. This mill and overlay area would be right by the park entrance.”

Smith said additional DCNR grant funding could be available to add lighting to the ADA walking path should the borough choose to add that as an alternate.

“If that funding becomes available, the lighting could be added to the project as a change order in the future,” he said.,