MIRAMAR--The city has awarded a $9.275 million contract to Hewett-Kier Construction Inc. to take on the first phase of building the much-anticipated regional park.

The $21 million park at 172nd Avenue and Miramar Parkway will be financed mainly through Broward County, but built under the supervision of Miramar staff. The city has up to 10 years to build the park.

The regional park has been a challenge for the county since 1997, when Miramar residents opposed plans to operate the county fair permanently from the park.

A year later, county officials terminated a contract with Moya Group, a Miami-based construction company, after complaining the contractor was taking too long to prepare the park's site.

In December 2002, the county gave Miramar $15.9 million, more than 171 acres and the responsibility of designing, constructing and maintaining the new park.

Included in the initial construction will be four soccer and football fields, two cricket fields and six pavilions with several volleyball and basketball courts. A $1.5 million swimming pool, four baseball diamonds and a skate park will be included in the second phase.

The city expects to complete the first phase by January, said Lowell Borges, director of community services.

The second phase would begin as soon as the city cuts ribbon on the first phase.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Milton D. Carrero Galarza) 4-11-04