Springfield Township’s Memorial Garden will not be quite as elaborate as originally planned.
Trustees last week scaled back the project after bids for Phase I came in higher than the estimated cost of the entire three-phase project.
To bring plans more in line with the budget, the board voted to eliminate the purchase of an oak tree, reduce the number of flagstone tiles on a planned walkway and replace topsoil and grass between the flagstones with sand and mulch.
‘It would seem, with some adjustment, we should be able to reduce it to $9,200,? Supervisor Collin Walls said at the Thursday, July 12 township board meeting.
Original bids ranged from $9,995 to $16,174. The board voted to grant a revised bid to the lowest bidder, Oakview Landscaping.
Walls said there is an existing oak tree on township property that could be relocated to the site.
‘We are going to move forward with the project,? Clerk Nancy Strole said later. ‘I think we’re committed to the plan.?
Phase I will still include a millstone fountain (with the millstone to be provided by the township government) and a planting bed with several shrubs and perennial plants
On the other hand, higher-than-expected costs ‘may affect the timetable.?
The board began discussions on the garden concept in November 2002, and struggled with the budget for the project even before the June 12 meeting.
The garden will be located not too far away from the entrance to the township’s parks and recreation and building department offices.