A new aquatic center at South City’s Orange Memorial Park is moving forward, with the City Council approving a nearly $38 million construction budget and contract to build a new and improved facility.
Conversations to build a new aquatic center, which houses one pool, have been in the works for several years, as the current building has received complaints for its lack of an outdoor pool, crowded locker rooms and an indoor pool that is too small to host competitions. The total project budget is estimated to cost around $49 million, largely funded by Measure W, a local half-cent sales tax passed in 2015.
The new facility will be located nearby the current center, but will have two pools, one indoor and one outdoor, with 7 and 10 lap lanes, respectively. It will also include a veterans’ memorial, entry plaza, activity room and swim lounge.
Councilmember Mark Addiego surfaced not only the need for more modern facilities within the community, but particularly the accuracy with which the city communicates building progress, as there have been various timeline shifts over the course of the project.
“I know senior citizens that use that pool are anxious to get into the new pool before a lot of time goes by,” Addiego said. “I think we want to be cautious in what we put out there, because there is so much anticipation for this new pool.”
Vice Mayor Eddie Flores also raised concern surrounding the parking situation, reiterating the need for ample parking and sufficient communication during the approximately 18-month construction period. A new parking area will also be in that area once the new building opens, although parking will remain available at the Tennis Drive parking lot throughout the duration of construction.
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The Planning Commission approved the latest version of the project in November, with construction bids opened in January. Wickman Development and Construction was awarded the roughly $35 million contract.
Groundbreaking is anticipated in April, with full project completion slated for fall of next year. Once the new facility is open, the original aquatic center will be demolished.
“I think many people in our community are very excited about this project,” Mayor James Coleman said. “When we opened the fields, we did a first kick for soccer fields, we did a first pitch for the baseball fields, and next year I look forward to being the first cannonball into the Orange Park Pool.”
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