Willowwood Park aquatic center moves toward 30% design, council to review preliminary pricing in June

Marion — City staff updated the council on schematic designs and the schedule for the proposed aquatic center at Willowwood Park on May 20, identifying design features, a June pricing review and a target for referendum language in July.

Project manager Seth (parks staff) said schematic design is complete and the team has produced a conceptual site layout that includes an aquatic facility with a leisure pool, lazy river, lap pool and specialty slides; a market pavilion; playground; and a cluster of 12 pickleball courts and other dry‑recreation amenities on the site. The schematic drawings will move to 30% construction documents with pricing from a construction manager at risk (CMAR). Seth said the team will present preliminary pricing and cost modeling to council on June 17; staff aims to have draft referendum language ready by July 17 for a potential November 4 bond referendum.

Seth said the CMAR selection and pricing will drive refined scope and possible phasing options. He also noted parking supply concerns raised by councilmembers during the presentation; staff will ask the design team to revisit parking assumptions for market days and events.

Council members asked when operational budgets and levy impacts will be available; Seth said a business plan and operational budget estimates will be provided for council review before the referendum decision. No referendum language or financing action was taken at the May 20 work session; those items will be addressed in June and July as the design and pricing are refined.