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Assembly approves three construction contracts for parks and Westcott Pool totaling about $2.8 million
Summary
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly Finance Committee voted unanimously to award three construction contracts: Bernice Aldridge Park ($565,610), Slaterville Park ($345,375) and Westcott Pool upgrades ($1,920,300). Debate focused on scope, funding and community input, especially at Bernice Aldridge and Slaterville parks.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly Finance Committee on Jan. 2026 approved three construction contract awards totaling roughly $2.8 million for two park improvement projects and a major pool renovation.
The committee awarded IFB 26028 for Bernice Aldridge Park — the base bid plus alternate 1 — to Tross Construction Inc. for $565,610. Mr. Beal, the staff presenter, said the project will upgrade the playground, parking and pedestrian access. “This project consists of upgrading the playground, parking lot, and pedestrian pass at Bernice Aldridge Park,” he said. Mayor Hopkins told the assembly that, after community input and conversations with Bernice Aldridge’s family, the administration will not seek a change order to convert the softball outfield into a dog park.
Assemblymember Reeves moved to award IFB 26028 and Assemblymember Crass seconded; the motion passed on a voice/roll call vote with all present voting yes (9-0).
The assembly also awarded IFB 26029 for Slaterville Park to Coal Alaska Incorporated doing business as Exclusive Paving for $345,375. Staff described the scope as a playground upgrade, construction of a new parking area and pedestrian access improvements; alternate items such as a basketball court were not awarded due to funding limits. Assemblymembers asked for more detailed drawings during future appropriation stages and discussed whether the assembly should later pursue an appropriating ordinance to add features such as a basketball court. The award was approved by roll call vote, 9-0.
Finally, the assembly approved IFB 26008 for Westcott Pool to Orion Construction Inc. for $1,920,300. Staff said the project includes replacing pool deck tile, installing reheat coils in locker rooms, replacing piping, adding a catwalk and improving roof fall protection. Project work is scheduled to start June 23, when the pool will close for about five months; staff estimated substantial completion around Aug. 21. Assemblymembers pressed for information about how long the improvements would extend the facility’s useful life and whether the work would improve locker-room temperatures; staff said they can run a life-cycle estimate and provide more detail in follow-up materials. The award passed by roll call vote, 9-0.
Votes at a glance Bernice Aldridge Park (IFB 26028) — Award to Tross Construction Inc., base + alternate 1 — $565,610 — Motion by Assemblymember Reeves; second by Assemblymember Crass — Vote: 9-0, approved. Slaterville Park (IFB 26029) — Award to Coal Alaska Inc. d/b/a Exclusive Paving — $345,375 — Motion: moved/seconded — Vote: 9-0, approved. Westcott Pool (IFB 26008) — Award to Orion Construction Inc. — $1,920,300 (base + alternates) — Motion: moved/seconded — Vote: 9-0, approved.
What’s next Staff said contract documents will be finalized and projects will proceed through the borough’s procurement and construction schedules; significant design detail and appropriation-level documents will be provided later in the process. For Slaterville and Bernice Aldridge parks, assembly members asked staff to provide clearer design illustrations and line-item cost breakdowns when the projects return for appropriation.
