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LRSD approves guaranteed maximum prices for Central High baseball field and Parkview auditorium renovations
Summary
The school board authorized administration to proceed with guaranteed maximum price proposals for a new artificial-turf baseball field and stadium upgrades at Central High School and a multi-million-dollar renovation of Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School's auditorium.
The Little Rock School District Board of Directors approved guaranteed maximum price proposals for two capital projects at Thursday's meeting: the Central High School baseball field and stadium upgrades, and the Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School auditorium renovation.
Architect Sarah Bennings of Polk Stanley Wilcox, presenting the Central High scope, said the work completes the campus bond program at Central. The project includes replacement of the natural field with artificial turf, refreshed grandstands and press box, new home and visitor dugouts and concession stand, covered batting cages, new field lighting and a scoreboard. Bennings described the baseball field as "the last phase" of work on that campus and said the turf and lighting decisions were intended to reduce maintenance and improve scheduling.
The board also approved a guaranteed maximum price for Parkview's auditorium renovation. Lance Wright, senior project manager with Kinko Constructors, said the Parkview work includes a full replacement of the stage rigging, new theatrical and house LED lighting, new audio-visual systems, improved ADA access from the house to the stage, circulation improvements, and lobby and exterior aesthetic upgrades. Wright said the Parkview contract price came in at roughly $6.0 million.
Board members asked about tariffs, international sourcing and allowances for materials amid concerns about cost escalation. A contractor representative said manufacturers had guaranteed prices for ordered materials for a set period and that allowances were included in the GMP. Project staff said the GMP structure funnels savings back to the district and that the schedule calls for construction activity starting over the summer with completion timed to limit disruption to school operations.
Actions: The board voted to authorize administration to proceed with the guaranteed maximum price proposals for the Central High baseball field and stadium upgrades and for the Parkview auditorium renovation.
Why it matters: Both projects are part of ongoing campus improvements tied to the district's bond program and are intended to modernize facilities used for athletics and the performing arts. Directors said the Parkview work supports fine arts instruction and gives students real-world technical experience.
What's next: Administration will issue notices to proceed and begin contractor mobilization. Staff said the Central baseball field is scheduled to be ready for the 2026 season; Parkview work was scheduled to start over summer break with an estimated multi-month construction period and a GMP reported in the meeting at about $6,000,008.
