SUNDERLAND – Finally.

Last week, after many delays, the Selectboard voted to award a contract for renovations to the kayak kiosk and the pathways in Riverside Park. The effort to design and fully fund the project began last spring.

Town Administrator Geoffrey Kravitz reminded the Selectboard that a first round of bids had been received much higher than anticipated, with a bigger scope of work. Supply chain problems also inflated the cost of materials and the bids submitted. At that time, Kravitz recommended all the bids be rejected. Subsequently, the project was reduced in scope, another Request for Proposals was fielded and another round of bids was received.

“Basically, we’ve removed the renovations to the rest room from the project,” Kravitz said. “At this point it’s just the kayak kiosk and some pathway improvements, to the dugouts and ball field, to the restrooms, then the walkway down to the boat ramp. Those came within budget.”

Kravitz explained that a few alternates, options that may or may not be used, were added. The first alternate included in the scope of work was the construction of seating for the kayak storage area. The library has recruited volunteers to construct that seating.

“I’m confident that the budget will allow us,” he said, “to accept both the low bid and the first alternate for that.”

The low bid was submitted by Marios Construction. The company is currently performing work on the Sanderson Place at 120 Main St. Kravitz checked that employer reference, and another for work in Hatfield.

Funding for the project comes with a June 1,2022 deadline. Kravitz also hopes some work can be completed in the shop, over the winter, to be installed on the job next year.

“I still don’t have a contract itself for you to sign,” Kravitz told the board, “but we want to move this forward as quickly as possible, given the numerous delays and the June 1 deadline, for the grant, getting everything done.”

Funding for the project originated with a Community Preservation Act grant. A Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grant from the commonwealth also contributed to the funding.