Construction company donates work to Castle Park project in Folsom

With Granite Construction donating substantial funds, the Folsom City Council approved contracts last week to begin the $1 million Castle Park makeover. The City Council approved a $72,000 contract Jan. 13 with Granite and a $308,000 agreement with KYA to perform necessary site work for the replacement project. The community build is scheduled for April 7-12. With volunteer help, the city of Folsom decided last year to spend more than $1 million on the 30-year-old, beloved castle-themed playground on Prewett Drive next to Oak Chan School. The city also renamed the 2.1-acre Kids Play Park last fall to what many locals fondly call it, Castle Park. Among the multiple contractors interested in partnering with the city on the project, well-known Granite Construction Inc. bid for the concrete pavement. "Granite provided an estimate of $144,712 ... and have generously agreed to donate half of this amount and perform the work at a cost to the city of $72,356," said Parks & Recreation Director Kelly Gonzalez in her City Council report Jan. 13. The council also appropriated $79,000 in Measure A funds, thereby offsetting impacts to the city General Fund. The total cost for the project is now set at $1,001,229, authorities said. "Use of Measure A funds is appropriate, as the concrete improvements directly support park accessibility, safety and ADA compliance," said Folsom Parks Planner Hannah Perez. Site work includes clearing and grading the play areas, replacing concrete pavement to meet ADA standards and installing poured-in-place safety surfacing and engineered wood fiber. The contractors will also build a brick donor wall with a dedication plaque, drinking fountain, benches, trash receptacles, picnic tables and a bike rack. Preliminary work is also being done for a future restroom, staff said. Meanwhile, Perez said the department launched the form sign-up Jan. 12, and in one day 77 volunteers were on board for the community build. Those interested can sign up for the volunteer list through the city online Wufoo form. The city is also accepting donations for personalized fence slats through Jan. 31, officials said.