Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Discussion
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Torino Regional Park Phase 1 Design Updates (Follow-Up Presentation)
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Submitted By: Zakariya M. Sherman, Executive Project Manager, Parks and Recreation
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to Enjoy Culture, Nature and Recreation.
Executive Summary (General Business): Staff will present updated design details for Torino Regional Park Phase 1, including the current site plan and enhanced visuals of the proposed playground and splash pad amenities.
Presentation Information: Jonathan Haigh, PLA, ASLA, from Kimley-Horn will provide a follow-up presentation on the Torino Regional Park Phase I design. The presentation will include a review of the site plan and more detailed visuals of the proposed playground and splash pad amenities. City staff will also be in attendance to address any questions.
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council hear the presentation and provide any comments or feedback.
Background: On June 24, 2024, Council approved the Torino Regional Park Conceptual Master Plan (Kimley-Horn) and the Phase 1 Funding and Phasing Recommendation. Phase 1 focuses on Parcel A, a 75-acre site with 62.4 acres of uplands and a 12.5-acre lake.
An amended design contract with Kimley-Horn was approved on October 28, 2024, expanding their continuing services contract to include the Torino design. Kimley-Horn is overseeing all aspects of Phase 1 design, including surveys, geotechnical assessments, environmental services, design phases through final plans and permitting, and specialized design services such as splash pad and skate park design, structural and architectural engineering, and security system design.
The Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract with Burkhardt Construction, Inc. was approved on November 12, 2024, fully encumbering ARPA funds upon execution.
A kickoff meeting was held on November 13, 2024, with Parks and Recreation staff, Kimley-Horn, and Burkhardt. A tentative schedule was established, with initial discussions focusing on the playground and splash pad area and the associated large group pavilion shown in the original master plan.
At the June 24, 2024 Council meeting, a request was made to provide alternate concepts for the large group pavilion feature area. In response, Kimley-Horn prepared theming and concept options addressing that request.
On January 27, 2025, changes to the large pavilion area were presented to Council. Council voted 4-1 to select “Forest Concept One” as the final theme and layout.
Extensive public outreach was also conducted for the skate park component. This included three public meetings at the community center, a public survey, and outreach to nearly 30 local businesses. Mike McIntyre, President of Action Sports Design, attended the meetings and compiled public and survey feedback to inform the design.
On February 10, 2025, staff presented to Council regarding the enlarged wetlands on-site and the resulting challenges with the park’s two planned entry points. Several options were discussed to address access constraints. Staff returned to Council on February 24, 2025, with refined options, at which time Council voted 4-1 in favor of proceeding with a roundabout west of Briscoe Drive as the main entry point, along with an EMS-only access route near Conley Drive. This approach was preferred because it provides additional traffic calming and supports future growth in the area.
Subsequently, on April 14, 2025, Council approved an amendment to Kimley-Horn’s contract for the design of the roundabout and approved additional funding for its construction.
On July 14, 2025, staff presented the Phase 1 site plan and design at approximately the 30% stage. Council approved the site plan and authorized staff to advance to 90% design, with the understanding that staff would return with more detailed concepts and an enhanced “wow factor” for the playground and splash pad areas. This follow-up presentation, scheduled for October 13, fulfills that directive. The project is now at the 50-60% design milestone and is expected to reach 90% design by December. A ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for December 9, 2025, with construction anticipated to begin in Spring 2026.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: The total original budget for the Torino Regional Park Phase I project was $21,365,000. This budget was comprised of the following funding streams: $5,541,600 from ARPA funds, $9,730,000 from Reserve Bond Proceeds, $2,093,400 from Park Impact Fees, and $4,000,000 from St. Lucie County through an Interlocal Agreement for Impact Fees. On October 28, 2024, City Council approved $1,816,700 for the Kimley-Horn design contract. On November 12, 2024, an additional $163,020 was allocated to Burkhardt Construction for CMAR preconstruction services. Subsequently, on April 14, 2025, City Council approved Amendment #6 with Kimley-Horn, which added $225,000 for roundabout design and $2,075,000 for construction via a budget amendment. This action brought $2.3 million in new funds to the project. With this amendment, the updated total project budget now stands at $23,665,000. After accounting for all approved design and preconstruction costs, the amount currently available for construction is $21,460,280
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: 5301 NW North Torino Parkway, Port St. Lucie, 34986
Attachments:
1. Presentation
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
N/A