Converse pool renovation nears contractor selection; EDC details shade, seating and fence plans

Danny Lee, an Economic Development Corporation representative, told the Converse Parks and Recreation Commission on March 10 that the EDC has finalized several amenity plans for the city pool and has ordered long‑lead items.

The update came as parks staff reported bids were complete and that the city will recommend a contractor to city council at its next meeting. Parks and grounds foreman Keith Taylor said the selected contractor, if approved, could begin the week after council approval and would have a roughly 13‑week schedule that would put substantial completion in mid‑June.

Why it matters: the project combines infrastructure work managed by Public Works — including replastering and major systems — with EDC‑funded site amenities such as shade canopies, lounge seating and a privacy fence. Long lead times for furniture and manufacturer schedules mean the project’s public opening depends on timely procurement and council approval.

Lee summarized the EDC scope: “We submitted contracts for the five shade structures…three evenly spaced on the northeast side of the property and two more on the southwest part of the property along where the diving boards used to be.” He said the shade structures are approximately 15 by 15 feet and that the vendor lead time for the shade products was seven to eight weeks for manufacturing, separate from permit and installation time. Lee also said lounge chairs and Adirondack chairs have been ordered and that those items carry a roughly 10‑week production lead time.

On the fence, Lee said the design from the architect arrived last week and the EDC is assembling a bidder package to solicit contractors. He described one side of the pool fence as a privacy fence that will screen the adjacent bus barn; the remainder will be open‑style fencing. Public Works is handling the pool’s plaster work and other infrastructure tasks, Lee said, while the EDC is responsible for the seating, shade and decorative elements.

Taylor provided the construction schedule update later in the meeting: “We completed our bids, we will be recommending a contractor to city council at the next meeting on the eighteenth. They are able to start the week after if the contract is approved by council. They do have a schedule of about 13 weeks, which would put them completing it mid‑June, roughly.” He added that the city will likely open the pool later than in previous years because of the construction schedule.

Discussion at the commission focused on timing and coordination between procurement and Public Works’ infrastructure work. Commissioners pressed on lead times and the need to sequence furniture delivery and installation so they arrive when contractors can put them in place. Lee and Taylor said permitting, contractor selection and procurement schedules will drive the next milestones.

The EDC and parks staff did not present a revised opening date; Taylor indicated the schedule is contingent on council approval of the contractor and the contractor’s 13‑week timeline. The commission did not take a formal vote on the contractor at the March 10 meeting; Taylor said the city will make a formal recommendation to council on March 18.

Looking ahead, staff said they will return with the council recommendation and updated milestones. The EDC asked the commission to note the furniture and shade lead times when planning any public announcements so expectations match procurement realities.