The Leland Township board voted 3-2 to approve the RFP (request for proposal) for Hancock Field designs at a special meeting on May 22 despite pushback from many residents to wait on the decision. Treasurer Shirley Garthe and trustee Mariann Kirch voted against the approval of the RFP.
The RFP for the Hancock Field design was originally brought to the board’s attention as an action item at the township’s regular meeting on May 12, however, board members at the time voted 3-2 to hold off on a decision until its June meeting to allow for more time to look into design plans. The special meeting was held last week though to approve of several action items, which included the RFP and accepting the resignation of Trustee Kirch effective May 31.
The RFP seeks proposals from engineering and planning firms to complete a design plan with attached cost estimates for construction and improvements for a portion of Hancock Field in Leland, a property the township owns. The selected firm would work with the Leland Township supervisor to create a detailed design plan that includes: Additions and improvements to the park, including, but not limited to, “ADA-compliant parking, pickle ball courts, a playground, a basketball court, and a little league baseball/softball field, along with the demolition of a grandstand and dedicated space for an ice rink.” According to the estimated RFP timeline, the township hopes to award the project by July 14, with final adoption of the plan by the board by Sept. 8.
