Farragut approves park contracts
Contracts for planning the McFee Park property and construction bids for the dog park at McFee Park received unanimous approval from Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen during its Thursday, May 14, meeting.
The Board approved a professional services agreement with Tunnel-Spangler & Associates to develop a master plan for the new park at a cost of $134,340.
The Town purchased 70 acres on the west side of McFee Road near the intersection of Boyd Station Road in 2023 for $5.5 million for future park development. In 2025, Farragut was awarded a $2.75 million federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to help fund the park, with construction of recreation facilities expected to begin by 2027. Of the 70 acres, 15 acres were donated by the property owner.
“In keeping with Land and Water Conservation Fund grant required timelines, the Town of Farragut is seeking a qualified firm to work closely with the Town, residents and stakeholders on a master plan for the 70-acre Town-owned property at the corner of McFee and Boyd Station roads,” Town Parks and Recreation director Ron Oestreich said.
“The project will include public input and conceptual planning for a roundabout property entrance off McFee and Boyd Station roads, internal park roadways, parking, pedestrian and bicycle circulation and at least one permanent restroom facility, consistent with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation grant requirements and applicable local plans,” he said.
“The master plan will guide future development, preservation, phasing and programming of the park, ensuring compliance with TDEC standards, local regulations and community priorities,” Oestreich added.
He added 12 firms submitted proposals through the request-for-qualifications process.
“After extensive research and discussion, the selection committee unanimously chose Tunnel-Spangler & Associates to lead us through this process,” he said. “TSW has the most inherent knowledge of our local needs, a wealth of experience in all areas of our study and worked well with the Town on a past project.”
The bid proposal includes $98,180 for planning services and additional services — including renderings, a topographic survey and an operational assessment — bringing the total to $134,340, according to Oestreich.
“This is $15,660 under budget,” he said. “TSW estimates project completion within six months of notice to proceed.”
“We’re excited to be here,” TSW project manager Brandon Sutton said. “TSW has a history of working with Farragut on past projects … we’re no stranger to public engagement in our work.”
In other park business, the Board unanimously approved a $252,800 contract with Skilled Services to build a two-stall restroom building with a storage room at the entrance to the dog park at McFee Park.
Nearly a year ago, the Board rejected bids for a prefabricated two-room restroom facility because the cost approached $400,000, Oestreich said.
“Since that time, we have worked with an architecture firm to design a restroom, and we have completed the bid process for construction,” he said. “We are now seeking approval of the contract to build a two-stall restroom building with a storage room at the entrance of the new McFee Dog Park.”
