Grant Manager Larry Wallace told the Spalding County Board of Commissioners at its Oct. 6 workshop that staff recommends awarding an $8,835,000 construction contract to Piedmont Paving for upgrades at Volunteer Park and Ambucks Park.

Wallace said the county was awarded five grants through the Georgia Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget totaling $9,350,000 for facility improvements at the two parks and that “due to significant cost escalations in construction materials and labor” staff submitted scope-change requests that the state approved. He said the construction bid was $8,835,000 and was awarded to Piedmont Paving.

The projects would add a new concession building, two regulation-size football fields, irrigation, new lighting and improved pedestrian accessibility at Volunteer Park; and gym building renovations at Ambucks Park including a new roof and siding, a renovated lobby and a custom serving kitchen for summer feeding programs. Wallace told commissioners the Ambucks gym needs new wood basketball flooring that is not in this contract.

Wallace said the total grant awards are $9.35 million and that the county must provide a combined match of $509,000. He told the board the county did not budget the match but can use fund-balance investment earnings to cover roughly half the match and that the county would contribute about $250,000 of non-interest funds if the board approves.

“Because of the cost increases and us having to go back and forth, we have not been able to start construction on this project,” Wallace said, noting the county is roughly one year from the state deadline for completing construction. He added, “We anticipate we will, construction or at least demolition starting within the next 30 days,” if the contract is approved.

Staff asked the board to approve the contract award so construction can proceed on the timeline required by the grants. Commissioners were told a formal vote on the contract would be taken at the county’s regular meeting later that evening.