Renovation work continues at Founders Park as the Town of Leland works with its contractor to complete the remainder of the project. While the park was originally slated to reopen in late 2024, construction is still ongoing, and the park remains an active construction site under the contractor’s control.
Last September, the Town identified an alignment error related to the amphitheater and stopped work on that structure. That portion of the project has been removed from the contractor’s scope of work and will be re-bid in the coming months.
Removal of the amphitheater should not have affected progress on the rest of the park, as the remaining features were not dependent on its completion. The Town continues to press for timely completion and has also raised concerns about the quality of some completed work.
Renovations were expected to reach substantial completion by last November. Since that deadline passed, the contractor may be subject to liquidated damages pursuant to the contract. The Town is also withholding 5% of the total project cost until all work is completed properly and meets contract standards.
As progress continues, the Town hopes to reopen sections of the park that are ready for public use while isolating areas still under construction, if possible. Planning is also underway to host Leland in Lights at Founders Park this holiday season at the largest scale possible.
Town Council has authorized the Town Manager to enter into any settlement of claims related to the project, should they arise, to help keep the project moving forward.
Additional updates will be shared as work progresses.
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