Site work, paving and new construction of a mixed-use development in Safford, Arizona. Completed plans call for site work for a one-story above grade playground / park / athletic field; for the construction of a one-story above grade playground / park / athletic field; and for paving for a one-story above grade playground / park / athletic field.

**As of March 12th, 2026, this project has not yet been awarded. The project is expected to be awarded on March 23, 2026** https://gilavalleycentral.net/bids-higher-than-planned-to-construct-kouts-park/ Infrastructure work is complete and much of the lot cleared in order to begin contruction of Safford's Mayor Jason Kouts Park at 8th Avenue and Discovery Park Boulevard. However, the construction bids have come in much higher than planned. - David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central Posted By: David Bell March 10, 2026 SAFFORD — The Safford City Council will be asked to make a difficult decision — spend more money than planned on construction of Mayor Jason Kouts Park or make cuts to the park’s design. All of the 10 bids that have come in for construction of the park are above the engineer’s estimate of $7.5 million. The low bid is $8.1 million from Danson Construction LLC out of Phoenix. Danson was the construction firm that built the new Pima High School. The highest bid is from Meridian Engineering Co. out of Tucson, at $14.8 million. As currently designed, the construction project includes: Splash pad Pickleball courts Amphitheater Playgrounds Ramadas Two restroom buildings Walking pathways Pedestrian bridge Open lawn spaces Roadway and parking lot paving The parking lot, as currently designed, would also include spaces that could be used as a food truck court. The park is to be located on the northeast corner of 8th Avenue and Discovery Park Boulevard, just west of the Safford Cemetery. It was initiated in 2023, using some of the $3.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding the city received as a result of the pandemic. Former Mayor Jason Kouts, who died in office in January 2024, wanted all the ARPA money spent on parks. As a result of his efforts, the park was named in his honor by a vote of the City Council in February 2025. -------------------------------------------------------------------- **As of March 9th, 2026 this project has not yet been awarded. A timeline for the award has not yet been established.* The work includes providing all labor, materials, services, and documentation necessary for the construction of a new park complex. The scope involves a splash pad, walking pathways, pickleball courts, ramadas, open lawn spaces, an amphitheater, playgrounds, a pedestrian bridge, two restroom buildings, and roadway and parking lot paving. Bidders are required to submit sealed bids, including a bid bond for 10% of the bid amount, and the bid must be plainly marked with the provided information. The city reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to withhold the award for any reason determined. Bids must be held for sixty days without withdrawal. Question Deadline 02/03/2026 Bidder shall submit all questions about the meaning or intent of the Bidding Documents to City of Safford in writing. Contact information and submittal procedures for such questions are as follows: Andria Lindsey alindsey@saffordaz.gov . Only written questions will be addressed.