Norwich — The city is seeking bids from contractors for the construction of a proposed memorial park to African-American folk artist Ellis W. Ruley at his former property at 28 Hammond Ave.

The Ellis Walter Ruley Project Committee, appointed by the City Council has been working on plans for a proposed park at the rural, rustic property for the past year and has been raising money for the project.

The bid request calls for a contractor to submit proposed costs to construct a 15-foot-diameter circular sitting area with stone pavers and bordered by a granite curb. At the center should be a 4-foot-diameter basin and water fountain. The project committee would provide the basin and the fountain to be installed by the bid contractor.

The contractor also would install electricity conduit and water pipes, with Norwich Public Utilities running electricity and water to the conduits and the contractor making the connections.

The contractor also would install three granite benches within the circle as shown on a proposed park map included in the bid specifications. The contractor also would install 20 stone steps, provided by Norwich Public Works Department, leading up the steep slope from Hammond Avenue to the site. A four-space paved parking lot would be created off the roadway, and two handicapped spaces adjacent to the main entrance.

Bids are due by 2 p.m. Oct. 5. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the property at 10 a.m. Sept. 20.