Bangor committee reviews updated feasibility study, cost estimates for consolidated parks and recreation complex

Bangor — Members of a Bangor City special committee on the future of a consolidated parks and recreation facility reviewed an updated feasibility study and construction cost estimates and discussed operational projections and next steps for a proposed complex sited near Griffin Road.

The executive summary and an updated pro forma presented by the consulting team summarized estimated construction costs for a new recreation center, a skating center, and an on-site maintenance building intended to consolidate city and school maintenance staff. The consultants and city staff also introduced a “fitness room” addition to the concept and outlined staffing and revenue assumptions for operating the facility.

The study’s authors and city staff described the cost estimates as a best-faith snapshot of market conditions "right here, right now," noting the effect of recent steel and materials-price increases on estimates. Carl Liebel of CHA, the project architect, said the design team emphasized single-story construction and preengineered components to control cost. Elsa Fisher of the consulting team said the membership and revenue assumptions were conservative based on the local market and the firm’s national experience: "We were conservative in our…