Donation allows shade structures at Barnum

As part of their consent agenda at their meeting on Monday, January 28, Birmingham City Commissioners unanimously approved the donation of $15,000 for two shade structures at Barnum Park.

In a memo, Lauren Wood, director of public services, wrote that in 2013, as part of the Phase II of landscape improvements for Barnum Park, two cedar shade structures were built and installed in the center “Heart of the Park” seating and promenade area at Barnum Park. She said there remains two other open areas intended for an additional two shade structures that would be placed in the remaining two half-circle seating areas. The city commission accepted the landscaping plan on September 26, 2011.

The Community for Barnum Park solicited funds to finish the project, and “Mr. & Mrs. Uzelac expressed interest in this project in June of 2018 and has committed to contributing $15,000 toward the purchase and installation of the two new structures,” Wood said.

City attorney Tim Currier reviewed and approved the contract.

The city had allocated $30,000 for the project and put out a bid, and received four sealed bids, ranging in price from $34,780 to $74,400, with Agroscaping the low bidder. Agroscaping, Wood said, built the original two shade structures in 2013, and are familiar with the project, and are able to procure the same steel and cedar suppliers. The parks and recreation board recommended awarding the project to Agroscaping for the amount of $34,780, inclusive of the $15,000 gift.

Mayor Patty Bordman thanked the Uzelacs for their generous donation.