Jackson Community Center nears completion; staff cites IT-related change orders and punch-list items

Village of Jackson staff told the Park and Recreation Commission that the Jackson Community Center is in the final stages of construction and could be ready for a mid‑April opening, pending weather and completion of a short punch list.

In the director’s report, staff praised instructors and construction crews for flexibility during the build and said the project remains on budget and has contingency funds available. Kelly, Park and Recreation staff, said the final punch list includes exterior items such as asphalt in the parking lot, EIFS painting and play area work that are weather dependent.

Commissioners asked about change orders and IT/security equipment. A staff member said initial door specifications did not meet the IT/security contractor’s requirements, which led to multiple change orders. "Some of those doors that were spec'd didn't meet what the IT company needed to make them work and lock down and close the way they should. So those were a bulk of a lot of the change orders," Kelly said. Additional grading work also contributed to change orders.

Staff noted that IT costs were primarily a current-year line‑item issue and that some future line items may decline as old equipment is retired. The department said contingency funds remain and that a construction meeting later in the week should provide definitive dates for completion.

Ending: A ribbon‑cutting and open house are planned once the final items are completed and staff will provide a more precise schedule after the next construction meeting.