TUSTIN : City Seeks Bids on Sports Park Project

The City Council has directed the city clerk to advertise for bids on the $3.6-million Tustin Sports Park project, scheduled to be built on 20 acres of municipally owned land in East Tustin.

Because of the sluggish economy, bids have generally come in lower than original estimates, city officials said. They hope to capitalize on this trend to secure a more favorable contract.

“The last few projects the city has (put) out to bid have been 10% to 15% below the engineer’s estimates,” said Recreation Superintendent Susan Jones. “Definitely, the market is favorable.”

The recreational facility, which will be the city’s largest, will include three lighted softball fields, six lighted tennis courts, restrooms, locker rooms, a pro shop and a concession area.

In addition, there will be a picnic area, a playground, a multipurpose field, basketball courts and parking for 200 cars.

Councilman Thomas R. Saltarelli has proposed installing lights on the multipurpose fields and the basketball courts, adding an estimated $135,000 to the project. The Planning Commission will hear that proposal Dec. 6.

Once completed, the sports park will be open to all residents, but a majority of its users are expected to come from the burgeoning Tustin Ranch community, officials said.

Project Manager Ed Elowe said the bids will be advertised in Tustin newspapers for two weeks. The bids will be opened on Jan. 18 and the contract awarded in February, he said.

In addition, Elowe said the city will send out in December requests for proposals to businesses interested in operating the concession facility. He said he expects the city to pick a concession operator by February.

City Manager William A. Huston said the city has set aside $1.6 million from the 1993-94 capital improvement budget for the project. In June, he had identified several other funding sources, but has advised the council not to budget more money until after the contract is awarded.