Splash pad project requires budget bump
GREENWOOD — The long-awaited splash pad project at Bell Park needs about $75,000 more than originally thought after contractors ran into unforeseen issues while working, according to officials.
“Construction ran into solid rock we were not expecting,” city parks Director Casey Craig said.
The additional funds will come from money already allotted for parks for the year. As this new amount exceeds $5,000, the Parks Commission needs City Council approval.
According to a resolution proposed for amending the budget, the additional expenses will go toward shades, picnic tables, benches and resolving ground elevation issues. Construction is halted until the council approves the new budget.
The council had set a meeting for Monday to approve the budget change, but on Friday, the city announced on Facebook that meeting was canceled.
The city still expects the splash pad to open on Memorial Day.
City Finance Director Thomas Marsh said in December the project was already estimated to cost more than $1 million after the council met to discuss cuts on the project in attempts to save money. The proposed cuts included removing the planned bathrooms to save $179,145.
These cuts took the overall budget from $1.7 million to $1.25 million. The new expenses will increase the total cost to $1.3 million.
MAHG Architecture in Fort Smith designed the splash pad. Van Buren-based Crawford Construction is the contractor on the project.
A design for the project from MAHG Architecture dated Sept. 13 shows the splash pad to be 2,747 square feet with 21 water features.
The city held a groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Feb. 8.