Kennewick City Council voted unanimously Oct. 28 to approve an $80,000 change order to install artificial turf on the interior non‑travel surfaces of the Vancouver Park pump track in order to improve safety and reduce maintenance.

Deputy City Manager Keri Rowe presented the staff report and said the change order amount was revised from $78,000 to $80,000 on the agenda to account for applicable sales tax. "The change order that we're proposing is an amount of $80,000 including applicable sales tax," Rowe told the council, adding that weather, asphalt plant availability and contractor scheduling created a narrow window to finish work this fall. The contractor identified tentative dates of Nov. 10 and Nov. 17 to install the surfacing, Rowe said.

Rowe said the track had been specified with 1‑inch washed rock in the interior areas but that steep interior slopes made that material unsuitable because the rock would migrate onto the travel surface. Staff recommended removing the rock, paving a stable base, installing impact surfacing and then applying artificial turf. Rowe said the change would "improve safety," provide better fall protection, minimize ongoing maintenance and stabilize slopes from erosion, and likely extend the facility's functional life.

Funding: Rowe said the city can use a one-time ARPA allocation that was included in the adopted 2025–26 budget under Parks Capital (a reserve originally identified for the Lawrence Scott Park playground project, listed at approximately $800,000) to cover the change order.

Motion and vote: Mayor Pro Tem Torelli moved to approve the change order "in the amount of $80,000 to install artificial turf on the inside of the surfaces of the pump track." Council Member Millbauer seconded. Mayor Crawford called the vote; the motion passed unanimously, "seven‑zero," according to the meeting record.

Nut graf: The council authorized an $80,000 scope change to finish the pump track this year, citing safety and schedule considerations; staff said the work will reuse interior rock on outside slopes, apply micro‑surface paving under the turf and allow opening the facility before winter.

Ending: Staff said they will finalize scope and schedule with the contractor and proceed with the project. Council discussion also flagged ongoing maintenance and other needs at Lawrence Scott Park as separate items for future funding or sponsorship discussions.