Bentonville’s Partnership with PORT
Bentonville Parks and Recreation is set to take another significant step forward in the development of the highly anticipated 8th Street Gateway Park, thanks to a newly approved agreement with PORT Architecture and Urbanism. The City Council has given the green light to a $603,350 contract for construction administration services, ensuring that the park’s design and construction will align with the city’s vision.
PORT, a well-regarded design firm with offices in Chicago and Philadelphia, has been a key partner in the 8th Street Gateway Park project since its inception. The firm’s role in this next phase will involve comprehensive construction administration services, building upon the design work previously completed under a 2023 agreement with Bentonville Parks and Recreation.
Scope of Work
The scope of PORT's construction administration services is extensive, covering all aspects of the park's development as outlined in their Construction Documents. Key features of the project include:
Pavilions and Comfort Stations: These will be located in both the West Park and Park Core areas, providing essential amenities for park visitors.
Playground Spaces: New playgrounds in the West Park and Park Core areas will cater to families and children, enhancing the park's appeal as a community gathering space.
Gateway Bridges: These iconic structures will serve as prominent entry points to the park, symbolizing the park's role as a gateway to the city.
Wheelsports Garden: A specialized area for skateboarding and other wheeled sports, which will be a major attraction within the park.
Park Drive and Roadway Improvements: These include new pedestrian crossings at Melissa Drive and 8th Street, ensuring safety and accessibility for all visitors.
Utilities, Irrigation, and Lighting: Infrastructure upgrades will ensure the park is functional, sustainable, and well-lit for evening use.
Landscape Improvements: Thoughtfully designed landscaping will enhance the park's natural beauty and provide a pleasant environment for visitors.
The construction administration phase is expected to last approximately 104 weeks, or two years, with PORT playing a critical role in ensuring the quality and adherence to the design throughout the process.
PORT’s Role
PORT will act as the primary point of contact between Bentonville Parks and Recreation and the various subconsultants involved in the project. Their responsibilities include:
Site Visits: PORT will conduct 40 site visits to monitor progress, assess the quality of work, and ensure that construction is proceeding according to the plans.
Reports: After each site visit, PORT will provide detailed field and nursery reports to Bentonville Parks and Recreation, highlighting any issues or deviations from the construction documents.
Review of Submittals: PORT will review and respond to submittals, shop drawings, and Requests for Information (RFIs) as needed to keep the project on track.
Project Closeout: Upon completion of construction, PORT will conduct a punch list walkthrough, compile a comprehensive project punch list, and coordinate the preparation of as-built drawings.
Subconsultant Involvement
In addition to PORT’s services, several subconsultants will contribute to the project, with a combined fee of $534,525. These include:
Ecological Design Group: $171,500
Polk Stanley Wilcox: $38,250
Apex: $33,500
Prigm: $16,300
MDL: $3,000
Travel and Additional Services
PORT’s contract also includes $65,000 for travel expenses, covering trips by PORT staff from Chicago and Philadelphia to Bentonville. The contract allows for additional services, such as further construction administration for the Wheelsports Garden, depending on the final scope of the project.
Looking Ahead
David Wright, Director of Bentonville Parks and Recreation, expressed enthusiasm for continuing the collaboration with PORT. “We’re excited to move forward with PORT on the next steps for the 8th Street Gateway Park project,” said Wright. “This park is going to be a transformative space for our community, and we’re confident that with PORT’s expertise, it will exceed our expectations.”
The 8th Street Gateway Park is poised to become a landmark destination in Bentonville, offering a variety of recreational opportunities and serving as a central hub for community activities. As construction progresses, residents can look forward to seeing this ambitious vision come to life over the next two years.
