Founders Memorial Park to get lighting

DRIPPING SPRINGS —  At its Jan. 16 meeting, the Dripping Springs City Council unanimously approved an agreement between the city and Graybar for park lighting acquisition at Founders Memorial Park.

The agreement encompasses two projects approved in the FY 2024 budget proposal. The first project is the sidewalk connection to Big Sky Ranch for $370,000 and the second  is the parking lighting improvements for $200,000.

“We are combining these projects for [reducing] construction costs,” said Deputy Public Works Director Craig Rice. “The lighting quote received from Graybar totals $122,689.86, which will include streetlights that will illuminate the Founders parking lot from the park entrance to the expansion parking lot in the back, where the skatepark is going to get built.”

The leftover funds will be used for site work and the construction of 3-foot pedestals where the parking lot lights will anchor to, Rice said.

The agreement allows city staff to continue with the purchasing process to acquire the parking lot lights, which will be solar powered, from the distribution center.

“We are anticipating a 24-week wait time to receive the lights and maintenance staff will assist the city electrician with installing the parking lot lights, helping to reduce costs for installation,” Rice said.

While the city is expecting to wait about six months for the lights to arrive, Mayor Bill Foulds asked if there will be any interruption to events or activities that will be happening during the installation and construction of these projects.

“I think the biggest interruption is going to be the sidewalk project. We are anticipating being done with that before Memorial Day, which is when the pool opens to the public. That will be the big disruption,” Rice responded. “Any events or activities at Founders [Memorial] Park for the light project, we will work around it. It won’t be a huge push to get it completed. It will be a get it done correctly, and not quickly, type of pace.”

To watch the full meeting, visit bit.ly/427Rgg6. The Dripping Springs City Council is scheduled to meet next at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6.