Webber: Director provides update on rec center

The remodel has been moving along quite nicely. The pool is being installed as I write this letter as well as much of the interior work. We did run into an unexpected expense of about $150,000 for a fire sprinkler system that is being required by the state fire marshall and the new International Fire Code. This is a painful unexpected expenditure but one in reality that is needed to make our recreation center both safe and also code compliant. This has slowed the work some and put us a little behind schedule with the interior work. We hope to be able to gain this time back with moving some of the other project work around to complete the interior work. FCI, the general contractor, and I have overcome many obstacles with the demolition/construction project. The project started midway to late August 2008 and FCI stated at that time that this project would take a year; and we are in my opinion right on target. I will give you an update again here in a few weeks as FCI is working on a final schedule of when they plan on being done with this remodel; it is looking like it will be late August at this time. Please be patient with us on this; we are getting into the warmer months and I as well as all of you want this facility open sooner rather than later.
Thank you for understanding and patience in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me at 675-8211. You can see some pictures of the work at www.westerrioblanco.org, or if you would like a tour of the facility, please call.
Timothy J. Webber,
executive director,
Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation & Park District