Parks and Rec director: community center expansion finished, HVAC warranty work ongoing; dog park permit expected soon

The Village of Jackson Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 16 heard an update from staff that the Jackson Community Center expansion contract with Moore Construction is complete, though warranty work remains to address humidity and a misinstalled door lock.

The update came during the commission’s regular meeting as staff reviewed summer revenues, new programs and capital projects. The director said the expansion contract’s final pay request was approved by the village board and Moore Construction is working through warranty items such as humidity in parts of the building and a door lock in the early childhood wing.

Why it matters: the expansion creates new rental and program space that staff expect to increase future revenue, but outstanding HVAC and door issues must be resolved to deliver full functionality.

Staff said the expansion includes a mix of new and existing HVAC equipment and that some areas have shown higher-than-expected humidity. “We’ve started testing communicating thermostats on one wing,” the Parks and Recreation Director said, “and if that fixes the problem, we’ll roll it out and finish the rest.” The director also told commissioners Moore has been responsive and that remaining items are being handled as warranty work.

Commissioners asked whether punch-list items remain; staff said the security gate keying and the door lock reinstallation are short-term items while the humidity concerns are being addressed through HVAC tuning and thermostat changes. The director estimated “about 18 total units” for the building, with “12 or 14” of them newly installed, and identified the humidity fixes as warranty work rather than unfinished construction.

Staff also reported program and revenue highlights: beer gardens generated just under $10,000 this season; a visiting circus drew a little over $2,000; a new wrap-care program for 4-year-old kindergarten students launched with 10 participants; and an early-learning program resumed with the first day of school. The director said some program revenue timing and construction-related room consolidations have depressed reported revenues for the month but are expected to normalize as renters and programs resume regular use of the facility.

A proposed vending-machine contract with a local operator would supply and maintain a snack machine for the community center; the village would receive 3% of sales under the arrangement. Staff said the vendor would handle stocking, maintenance and capital costs.

On parks planning, staff said the community needs survey for the recreation and open-space plan drew just under 200 responses. The five-year plan expires at year-end; staff anticipate a draft by the end of the year and formal consideration in 2026.

Cedar Run Dog Park construction is contingent on a wetlands permit. Staff told the commission they have received authorization from the Department of the Navy on the wetlands permit and that MSA expects that step was one of the final administrative approvals before the state Department of Natural Resources acts; staff said they anticipate the permit to be approved soon and then will schedule a preconstruction meeting and set a construction timeline.

The director closed by noting a small list of remaining furniture and storage items not included in the construction contract and said those needs will be addressed as the project wraps up.

Ending: commissioners did not take a formal vote on any of the project items during the discussion; staff said they will return with updates as warranty work is completed and as permitting for Cedar Run advances.