City considering change order for aquatic center
City Commissioners will consider a $52,978.33 change order for the new indoor aquatics center during their Jan. 16 meeting.
It’s the sixth change order and includes:
- north sidewalk credit: reduction of $2,973.60
- alternate #4 credit conduits for training equipment: reduction of $7,526.34
- upgrade chain link fencing: $3,743.27
- emergency eye wash and shower: $4,401.33
- desert aire refrigeration requirements: $19,797.65
- alternate #15 flagpole: $12,895.39
- add E4 lighted ballard: $2,345.26
- security camera revisions: $20,286.37
This change order will be funded by dollars raised through the city’s fundraising campaign for the new facility.
If approved, this change order will increase the total project budget to $21,018,299.86.
According to Great Falls Park and Recreation, the second through sixth change orders are being funded through the fundraising campaign, which is ongoing and not all the actual cash pledges have been received by the city.
In some cases, those pledges will be received in installments over time.
Park and Rec hasn’t asked to use additional park district funds for the project but those funds may be needed to complete the project or to cover donations not yet received, according to staff.
Staff is scheduled to brief the commission in February on the use of donations and potential park district funds needed to complete the new aquatic center.
he new indoor aquatics and recreation center is 45,000 square feet of new construction, set to open in May 2024, that will include a recreation pool, lap pool, gym, fitness center, walking track, multipurpose room, party room, locker rooms, restrooms, child watch area, lobby, offices, storage and mechanical rooms at 900 29th St. S. in a potion of Lions Park.
The city received a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense for the project that was identified in the 2016 Park and Recreation Master Plan. The city will match that with $10 million through the sale of bonds by the park district.
The facility will replace the Natatorium, which was closed in 2018 and is scheduled for demolition this fall, and once opened, the city will close the current Community Recreation Center in the downtown area.
The city dubbed the facility Aim High Big Sky during the conceptual design phase while pursuing the DOD grant but has named it the Scheels Aim High Big Sky for 20 years for the store’s $1 million contribution to the project.
In October, commissioners approved the fifth change order for $13,753.20.
During their September meeting, City Commissioners approved a fourth change order for the new facility totaling $588,052.50.
In November 2021, commissioners awarded a $18.3 million contract to Swank Construction.
In March 2022, commissioners approved a change order that reduced the cost by $244,655 by changing materials. That change didn’t affect amenities, but changed materials used for a cost savings, according to staff.
In July 2022, commissioners approved the second change order for $91,029.58 to address plan review and permit fees and structural enhancements.
In June 2023, commissioners approved a change order for $116,680.25 to address structural enhancements and added more amenities.
In December 2023, Park and Rec staff updated commissioners on the project and said they’d be back to the commission in February to present the proposed fee structure for the facility.
According to city data, the project was budgeted at $20.96 million and so far, $17.44 million has been expensed.
For more background on the new indoor aquatics and recreation center, read our previous coverage:
New aquatic center on track to open in May, staff discusses operations, fees
City approves aquatic center change order
City Commission to consider indoor aquatic center change order
City receives $1 million from Scheels to name new aquatics facility
City to consider change order for new indoor aquatic facility
City approves change order for new aquatic center
Construction progressing on city’s new indoor aquatic facility
City approves contract changes for indoor aquatics center
City considering change orders for indoor aquatics center
City reduces cost for aquatic center construction; approves fundraising agreement
City reduces construction contract cost for aquatic center
City staff recommending $18.43 million contract for new aquatic center
City postpones decision on aquatic center construction contract
Staff asking commission to postpone award of aquatic center contract for more review time
City breaks ground on indoor aquatics, recreation center
City considering water main contract for aquatic center on Aug. 17
DoD finds no violation in city process for aquatic center
City budget approved; work on aquatics center continuing
Commissioners approve permit, aggregation and vacating streets for aquatics center
Commission holding public hearings on portions of aquatic center project during May 18 meeting
City Commission sets public hearing on permit for aquatics facility
City Commission scheduled to set public hearing on new aquatic center during April 20 meeting
City planning board unanimously recommends permit approval for aquatic center in Lions Park
City, design team update neighborhood on aquatics facility plans
City continuing plans on aquatics center for Lions Park
City proposes Lions Park as new site for aquatics facility
