The City Council approved $250,000 in the FY 24 CIP and $150,000 in the FY 25 CIP for a total funding amount of $400,000.  This funding will allow for improvements to the northeast and northwest Big Lake Park parking lots along Big Lake Road and for the parking area within Valley View Park at the north end of the parking lot. In general, the upgrades for both the parking lots will include removing damaged areas of asphalt, installing a new sub base in certain areas, and placing a new top coat of asphalt.

After a recent processing of an invoice for additional design work the amount available for construction is $341,000.   This additional design work was to extend the Iowa Riverfront Trail from its current termination location near the tennis courts to Big Lake Road.  The will allow users to travel to Big Lake Road without having to enter the parking lot.

The opinion of probable cost has been reviewed and cost reductions can occur by Parks Maintenance staff completing some of the work.  With these cost reductions, the adjusted cost opinion is $357,688.  The cost opinion still exceeds the available budget by $16,688.  Therefore, Valley View Park parking lot will be made a bid alternate should the bid amount exceed the available budget.  This will allow the City to proceed with Big Lake Park parking lots, which are in worse condition.  Should this occur, then repairs to the worse areas within Valley View Park parking lot will be considered.