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Ahead of the maintenance facility construction, the city will prepare the site and put all necessary infrastructure in, like fencing and utilities. The contract with SpawGlass Contractors is a heavy civil project and not the total build-out of the maintenance facility, General Services Director Chad McDowell said at an April 22 agenda packet briefing.
Voter-approved bonds will pay for the $2.2 million facility, city documents show, but McDowell said that the city will still need to determine the funding because the Old Settlers Park project "is starting to run out of money."
"We are starting to see pressures," McDowell said. "We're going to get all of our estimates in to try to have a full idea of how much more money we need."
Financial concerns arise as the price of the project increases with time, City Manager Brooks Bennett said, especially during "uncertain economic conditions."
"Uncertain times make us have to be a little bit more diligent in how we're handling these types of projects," Bennett said. "I think we're doing a great job—as good as any other community can do."
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.
