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Update on Flood Recovery at Hart Park Stadium
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Submitted by:
Alex Krutsch - Parks and Forestry Superintendent
Department:
Public Works
The flooding that occurred on August 9th-10th, 2025 damaged many of Hart Park’s facilities. One of the hardest hit areas was Hart Park Stadium. Damage to this facility included a complete loss of the synthetic turf field, damage to the field’s drainage system, and to the spectator bleachers.
On December 17th, 2025 the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for replacement of the synthetic turf field and repairs to a portion of the stone base. At the same time the City issued a second RFP for cleaning of the stadium’s storm sewer system. In response the City received 5 proposals to the RFP for turf field replacement and no proposals to the RFP for sewer cleaning.
Staff reviewed proposals for field replacement with the City’s consultant, GRAEF Engineering, and will be recommending award of contract at the financial Affairs Committee meeting on the evening of January 20th, 2025. Assuming authorization to enter into contract is granted, staff hopes work can be completed by Mid-May, though this will be weather dependent. The replacement field being recommended by staff will be comparable to the previous field. It will utilize the same shock pad and infill material as the previous field. Staff is recommending an upgraded turf product that has superior fiber density and different fiber types than the previous field. This change improves both playability and durability of the field. The product mitigates infill migration and “splash” creating a safer surface for athletes and has an extended warranty from the manufacturer of 10 years, compared to the standard 8-year warranty.
Also, in December, The Common Council authorized staff to enter into contract for bleacher repair at Hart Park Stadium. This contract is with JWI, the company that constructed the bleachers originally. Staff is finalizing details with JWI and hopes that work can begin in early spring and be completed prior to May.
Since no response was received to the RFP for sewer cleaning, staff is now working to hire a contractor directly. Staff intends to accomplish this by the end of February so that work may commence as soon a weather allows. Staff is also evaluating if any of the scope can be performed by City crews.