When cities and counties encounter large-scale parks and rec construction projects, their first instinct is often to rely on the traditional architect-led design-bid-build delivery method. This approach works for many projects, especially for municipalities with architectural and civil engineering groups already established and working in the city. But when the budget is significant or the project is particularly complex, municipalities increasingly turn to program managers for support.
Program managers bring specialized expertise to the table, ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently and within budget. Municipality projects can include a wide range of types, but parks and recreation projects are often among the most complex. These projects frequently require extensive coordination and communication with several stakeholder groups, making the guidance of a program manager particularly valuable.
Some municipality leadership may be hesitant to hire outside groups for a variety of factors including budget restraints, but with large, complex projects, municipalities often save significant money and time on their overall project by hiring program managers. HPM VP of Business Development Jay Daily notes that the earlier a Program Manager can get involved, the better.
“If we can get engaged early in the design process, we eliminate questions concerning time and money by tracking design progress and construction cost on a continuous basis. HPM works hard at ensuring contractor awareness and bidder interest thus ensuring a highly competitive outcome,” Daily said.
Additionally, having a partner to manage the program throughout the lifecycle of the construction project often guarantees reaching project milestones on time as forecasted.
“During construction, we are the avenue to prevent delays by assisting contractors to keep moving forward while staying in budget,” Daily said.
Here are some top ways municipal parks and recreation projects tend to benefit from partnership with a construction program manager:
Top 5 Benefits of Program Management for Parks Projects:
Design Management: Ensuring the project vision aligns with practical design and construction capabilities.
Contractor Awareness: Increasing competition and interest among contractors by facilitating a well-organized and competitive bidding process.
Stakeholder Communication: Identifying and discovering requirements for building parks and rec facilities with city leaders and end-users to understand and plan for the full scope of needs.
Budget Management: Maintaining strict budget guidelines to prevent cost overruns and frequent, reliable reporting to communicate the latest updates with leadership.
Schedule Coordination and Oversight: Creating a realistic schedule that aligns with all project deadlines and contractor availability along with managing potential costly delays throughout the project to keep timelines moving forward.
Parks and Rec Program Management in Action:
Albertville, AL:
HPM served as Owner’s Representative for the City of Albertville on their new parks and recreation facility. The City’s main objectives were to create the best possible complex for its citizens while investing in a sustainable economic driver for the area. As owner’s rep, HPM played a key role in bridging the gap between multiple contractors through various phases of construction. The park includes softball fields, baseball fields, multi-purpose fields, a recreation center, hiking trails, an RV park, and a 7,000-seating capacity amphitheater. Albertville created 1,200 jobs with an estimated economic impact of $120 million annually with the program.
Saraland, AL:
HPM is currently assisting Saraland with Preconstruction Services and Program Management on their new sports complex. With a growth in youth sports in the area, Saraland secured a plot of land to build the 80-acre site into a sports complex with baseball and softball fields, multipurpose fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, walking trails, and a rec center. Once complete, the Saraland community will benefit from enhanced youth sports facilities and recreation for citizens of all ages.
With a variety of benefits, program managers provide a proactive approach and help municipalities achieve successful project outcomes while minimizing disruptions.
Program managers play a pivotal role in guiding these projects from conception to completion, ensuring that municipalities can deliver high-quality parks and recreation facilities that benefit their communities.
Interested in learning more about Parks and Rec projects? Check out HPM’s municipalities portfolio.
