Manistee North Riverwalk Renovation Faces Project Extension

The manistee riverwalk renovation, a major upgrade to the city's Veterans Memorial Park and North Riverwalk, has encountered delays due to a significant railing supply issue. As a result, the Manistee City Council has authorized an amendment extending the project timeline.

Manistee City Council Grants Project Extension

On October 6, the Manistee City Council approved changes to its grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), extending the deadline for the park renovation. The updated completion date is now set for April 30, 2027, providing additional time to resolve the unforeseen supply issue and finish the planned improvements.

Scope of Renovation and Key Features

The renovation project, with an overall cost of $924,600, includes comprehensive updates to the North Riverwalk and Veterans Memorial Park. Planned improvements feature new walkways, retaining walls, landscaping, and upgraded lighting to enhance the public space.

Contract and Bidding Process

In January, the council awarded an $816,423 construction contract to Swidorski Bros. Excavating to complete the bulk of the work. This decision followed a public bidding process and council review.

Railing Supplier Ceases Operations

The primary cause of the delay is traced to the company originally selected to supply railings for the North Riverwalk and Veterans Memorial Park. According to City Manager Bill Gambill, the manufacturer went out of business between the project's award and the start of construction. This disruption necessitated selecting a new, comparable railing supplier. Construction on the railing is set to proceed once the new materials are delivered.

Budget Amendments and Grant Funding

Funding for the project is a combination of city budget allocations and multiple grants. The Manistee County Community Foundation contributed $184,600, while the city also approved a $135,000 increase from its general fund for the park renovation. Additionally, a $300,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant was secured in November 2024.

Further, in August, the council approved a separate $45,000 budget amendment for reconstructing the stairs leading to the park's gazebo, reinforcing the city's commitment to the comprehensive park upgrade.

City Manager Provides Timeline Update

City Manager Gambill communicated to the council that the project is expected to be completed soon, pending arrival of the new railings. However, to ensure flexibility and avoid missing grant deadlines, the city requested—and received—a formal extension from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Railing Costs Remain Comparable

Gambill reassured council members that the replacement railing comes at a similar price point as the original. "It wasn't much more," he stated, emphasizing the slight cost impact on the overall project budget.

Looking Ahead for Manistee Park Renovation

The manistee riverwalk renovation continues to progress, with the main remaining obstacle being the railing supply delay. The project extension is expected to give Swidorski Bros. Excavating and city officials enough time to complete all phases of the North Riverwalk and Veterans Memorial Park improvements without compromising quality or funding.

Source: manisteenews.com.