The details
The city will prepare the site and put all necessary infrastructure in, like fencing and utilities, ahead of the maintenance facility construction, General Services Director Chad McDowell said at an April 22 agenda packet briefing.
"This is a heavy civil project right here," McDowell said. "This is not the total build-out of the maintenance facility."
According to city documents, voter-approved bonds will pay for the $2.2 million facility. However, McDowell addressed the costly nature of the total park build-out.
"We'll need to figure out the funding piece for this," McDowell said. "[The] Old Settlers Park [project] is starting to run out of money."
The city plans to compile the individual maximum price guarantees together, as well as other estimated costs, so that it can evaluate how much more funding the project requires for the maintenance facility, recreation center and multipurpose center, McDowell said.
"Right now we want to keep the project going, and get the civil project in and under construction," McDowell said.
Financial concerns have come up because the longer the project goes on, costs will continue to increase, especially during "uncertain economic conditions," City Manager Brooks Bennett said.
"We're working on a plan to make sure that we can execute the project within the community's vision, so we'll be bringing back some options to council," Bennett said.
About the project
Old Settlers Park began renovations in September. Upon completion, the park will have upgrades that include a new pavilion, stage and amphitheater, as well as a playground, expanded recreational areas, roadway renovations for safety and pedestrian crossings, pedestrian bridges, and improved sports courts.
The park spans hundreds of acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including disc golf, cricket, and baseball, softball and soccer facilities. Old Settlers is also home to the Rock 'N River, the Multipurpose Complex and is the venue for many city events. The build-out's expected completion is in 2027 but varies by project, according to the city.
