Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Torino Regional Park Phase 1 Design Updates
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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 fun activities.
Executive Summary (General Business): Kimley-Horn will present design updates for Torino Regional Park Phase 1, including the current site plan, proposed playground and splash pad amenities, and a brief overview of the project budget.
Presentation Information: Jonathan Haigh, PLA, ASLA, from Kimley-Horn will provide a brief presentation on the Torino Regional Park Phase I design. The presentation will include a review of the site plan, proposed playground and splash pad amenities, and a summary of the project budget. City staff will also be in attendance to address any questions.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the proposed playground and splash pad design for Torino Regional Park Phase I and authorize staff to proceed to 90% design development.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve a modified version of the playground and splash pad design and/or adjust the next design milestone.
2. Move that the Council not approve the proposed playground and splash pad design and provide staff with further direction.
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, 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, fully encumbering ARPA funds upon execution.
A kickoff meeting was held on November 13 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 to include both the design and construction coordination of the selected roundabout and access improvements.
The project is currently at the 30% design milestone. If Council approves the proposed playground and splash pad design and authorizes staff to proceed, the design team will move directly to 90% design. This will help keep the project moving on schedule. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026 following the ceremonial groundbreaking planned for December 9, 2025.
Issues/Analysis: Advancing directly to 90% design will help maintain momentum and keep the project aligned with the current timeline. This is important given the scheduled ceremonial groundbreaking in December 2025 and the requirement to fully expend ARPA funds by the end of 2026. Staff seek formal approval to proceed to avoid delays that could impact the overall project schedule.
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, $163,020 was approved and allocated to Burkhardt Construction for CMAR preconstruction services. April 14, 2025, City Council approved Amendment #6 for $225,000 for Kimley-Horn for roundabout design and $2,075,000 for roundabout construction via a budget amendment. The updated total project budget now stands at $23,665,000. After accounting for all approved design and preconstruction costs, available construction funding is $21,623,300.
Special Consideration: The project is subject to time-sensitive federal funding requirements, with all ARPA funds required to be expended by December 31, 2026. Advancing to 90% design at this stage supports the project’s aggressive timeline, which includes a ceremonial groundbreaking in December 2025 and anticipated construction start in Spring 2026.
Location of Project: North Torino Parkway
Business Impact Statement: N/A
Attachments:
1. Torino Park Site Plan June 9, 2025
2. Torino Park Playground and Splash Pad Concept 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:
Reviewed by Margaret M. Carland, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.