Construction of the Project Renaissance parks in Dunwoody’s Georgetown area could begin as early as next month or April, City Manager Warren Hutmacher told city council members last week.

Brent Walker, the city’s parks and recreation manager, said he anticipates the work to take about 180 days to complete.

Seven companies submitted bids for the chance to work as the project’s contractor, and Georgia Development Partners presented the lowest bid at just less than $1.7 million. The city’s 2013 budget included $1.5 million for the project, Walker said.

Councilmember Denis Shortal said although it was over budget, he believes the city would be getting the work at the best cost, because several companies participated in the bid process and Georgia Development Partners offered the lowest price.

The park project includes a family playground, a central park square and a linear park as well as connective multi-use trails throughout the entire 16-acre parcel.

Walker said before the council members vote on awarding the contract, he would meet with representatives from Georgia Development Partners to see if there could be any possible deductions from the offer price without compromising the overall value of the project design.

Councilmember Lynn Deutsch warned against making concessions that could possibly make the park unpleasant during the hot Georgia summers, such as making the flooring on the playground black, which would absorb more heat.

She initially wanted a splash pad instead of just a decorative water fountain and asked Walker to consider adding shade structures and looking for something else to cut out.