05052026 parks and rec committee

The City of Bethlehem Council's Parks and Recreation Committee meeting on May 6, 2026, focused on the presentation and discussion of the "40 and 10" parks improvement plan, which aims to enhance 40 parks over the next 10 years. Key procurement-related topics included the use of grant funding and city general funds to accelerate park design and construction timelines, with an emphasis on leveraging local firms for design and engineering services. The committee discussed the issuance and review of an RFP for final design and engineering services for the first phase of park improvements, including Bernie Fritz, Madison, and Clearview parks. The plan also highlighted the importance of maintenance, programming, and equitable distribution of amenities such as splash pads and updated sports courts. While no formal votes were taken, the committee acknowledged prior council support for transferring general funds to capital funds to expedite projects and discussed upcoming contract awards for design services. The meeting underscored a strategic approach to procurement that balances grant funding with city resources to deliver timely park improvements and enhance community engagement.