Since that time, change orders to accommodate site changes, material quantity changes. and improvements to the accessible restroom that reduce future maintenance, have added $29,459 in expenses. Additional costs for site signage as well as additional costs associated with the native plantings required by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, bring total estimates expenses to $1.8 million.

Construction is progressing on schedule with a completion date of Sept. 30 expected. Additional costs are not anticipated at this time, but cannot be ruled out prior to completion, officials said..

A budget amendment to reflect $1.8 million in expenses and matching revenue was recommended. Marquette Playground For All (MPFA) in partnership with the Community Foundation of Marquette County, has raised $1.431,616 and the city was awarded a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant in the amount of $300,000. This puts the MPFA within $57,000 of their fundraising commitment with current estimated expenses.

MPFA has committed to raising all additional funds, resulting in no change to general fund contributions by the city.

Progress continues on the Kids Cove Playground project in the Mattson Lower Harbor Park in the city of Marquette. (Journal photo by Vickie Fee)

A budget amendment was required to account for the additional revenues and expenditures. Thus the commission approved and voted to pass a budget amendment at Monday night’s meeting.

Vickie Fee can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. Her email address is vfee@miningjournal.net.