As park planners and landscape architects, CALA knows that accurate cost estimating is one of the most essential services we provide in the public sector. Whether preparing a grant application, engaging with a community, or presenting to a formal entity, well-developed estimates help define the scope, align funding expectations, and avoid difficult conversations or redesigns later in the process. In an environment of rising construction costs and increasingly complex permitting and infrastructure requirements, cost estimating becomes a form of stewardship – protecting both public resources and the trust placed in us by agencies, funders, and communities. They serve as the foundation for grant applications, guide project scope, and ultimately determine a community’s ability to bring a project to life. For CALA, cost estimating isn’t just a technical task, it’s a strategic responsibility.
CALA’s regional studios provide an advantage. We monitor real-time pricing across Northern California and Nevada, offering insight into local public bid conditions and broader trends. With standard park projects nearing $1 million per acre and $1,000 per square foot for standard public recreation buildings, precision is critical.
Our estimates consistently align with or come in under bid results, thanks to a rigorous internal QA/QC process. Every estimate is reviewed by firm Principals and our in-house Construction Manager, and benchmarked against recent bids and contractor feedback.
Even with strong estimates, challenges persist. Two major risks have emerged in recent projects:
1. Rising construction costs that outpace early estimates.
2. Hidden costs, such as stormwater treatment, utility upgrades, permit fees, and CEQA mitigation—not always fully captured in early designs due to tight grant timelines.
To address these, CALA follows a proven three-pronged strategy:
1. Refine estimates early, before public input, to align scope with budget and uncover hidden costs.
2. Communicate clearly with the community through visual tools and messaging that make cost implications transparent.
3. Coordinate closely with grant entities to adjust programming or phasing as needed, maintaining grant eligibility while keeping the budget in check.
By anchoring scope and schedule early, validating costs through multiple channels, and maintaining strong communication, CALA continues to deliver cost-effective, community-supported park projects on time and within budget.
Need help estimating project costs for a grant application or some other reason? We’re happy to assist, no strings attached. We believe it’s far better to start with reliable, experienced guidance than to struggle alone. If you’re applying for funding and unsure of your construction budget, contact CALA for complimentary estimating support. Getting it right early helps everyone win.
