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Marion moves forward with pre‑vote design services for aquatic center and Willowood redevelopment
Summary
City staff presented a pre‑vote contract to develop up to 60% design documents for a proposed new aquatic center and Willowood site redevelopment; staff described an all‑in approach for scope and costs and said monthly updates and a steering committee will guide refinement ahead of a November bond vote.
City staff outlined Jan. 7 a proposed professional-services contract to advance planning and design up to 60% for a new aquatic center and redevelopment of the Willowood pool site as a single, all‑in project to inform a November bond referendum.
Seth, a city staff presenter, told council the pre‑vote scope would provide a clear project scope and cost estimate for the community and council and said the team will produce 60% plans in time to develop draft ballot language by July 17 ahead of the Nov. 4 bond vote. He described the approach as “all in” to capture land acquisition, on‑site infrastructure, parkland amenities, demolition of the existing pool and related owner‑supplied items.
Early budget figures discussed in the meeting varied: staff at one point described a high‑level “up to $30,000,000” total, while council and staff later referenced a $39–40 million all‑in estimate and emphasized the need for value engineering and CMAR (construction manager at risk) involvement early in the process. Seth said cost components included infrastructure, owner‑supplied items, IT, and an $80,000 drowning‑detection allowance that may be removed during refinements.
Council members asked whether the design contract includes both the new facility and Willowood redevelopment and whether costs can be separated; staff said the consultant contract will address the entire scope and that the process will produce separated cost estimates for each project by the end of design. A steering committee with residents and elected officials will advise consultant work and public engagement; staff said community engagement will intensify after draft ballot language is available.
No final council vote was recorded on the pre‑vote contract during the work session. Staff said they will continue monthly touchpoints with council, involve a CMAR early for pricing refinement and present decision points and potential phasing options as the project advances.
