Transforming Gates and Byrnes Park Project Update
The Transforming Gates and Byrnes Park Project is showing exciting progress! Click here to see a PDF file with photos of the ongoing construction and a revised overall project budget estimate. Woodruff Construction and their subcontractors are hard at work transforming Gates Park with massive grading and sculpting work nearing completion to create the beautiful spaces as depicted in the landscape architects’ renderings. Irrigation is nearly installed at the newly renovated soccer field, and spray park installation work is currently underway. There is so much happening throughout the many acres of Gates park land that the best way to give you a feel for the progress is to share the attached photos.
Also included is a revised budget estimate. While the total estimated costs have increased to nearly $19.8 million, most of the funding gap will be covered by additional City funds in the form of TIF funds from East Unified and Martin Rd. districts along with Storm water and Sanitary Sewer funds for eligible portions of the project. We continue working to fill any remaining funding gaps as our “Make a Splash” funding campaign continues. And value engineering continues to identify cost savings in several areas. We will have a clearer picture of the total project costs one bids are opened for the Byrnes Aquatic Center.
As a cost savings measure, the design for the new Byrnes Aquatic Center has been revised to include the remodel and re-use of the existing bath house. It has been determined that the existing building is sound and can be effectively re-used, saving approximately $2 million. Due to unforeseen delays in final design and geotechnical site surveys for the Byrnes site, we are currently planning to let contracts and complete the Bath House renovations and site preparation work this fall and winter, while allowing the existing pool to reopen for an abbreviated 2024 summer season. Demolition of the old pool and construction of the new aquatic features will be completed in time for the 2025 swim season.
Thanks go out to Leisure Services staff and Public Works staff for the in-house work being done to help reduce the overall cost of this project. We are very appreciative of the efforts of the City Finance, Planning, and Engineering staff to identify additional funding needed for the project. The Building Maintenance Department has gone above and beyond to keep the old Byrnes Pool functioning as we prepare to replace it. This project is truly a team effort!
Paul Huting
Leisure Services Director
(319) 291-4370 ext. 3703
Byrnes Park Office
1101 Campbell Avenue
Waterloo, Iowa 50701
(319) 291-0165 ext, 3760
Cedar Valley SportsPlex Office
300 Jefferson Street
Waterloo, Iowa 50701