Council approves $895,000 design and professional services for rehabilitating The Falls

The Wichita Falls City Council on Jan. 20 approved funding and a professional-services amendment to begin design work on a rehabilitation project for The Falls, the city's landmark on the Wichita River.

City staff and a consultant presented an evaluation that found the falls' rock veneer and "freestack" rocks at risk of falling, exposed and aging pumps and electrical controls, a corroding top railing and potential concrete structural concerns. The consultant recommended a structural analysis, replacement of pumps and control systems, rebuilding of the stone veneer, improved maintenance access and upgrades to lighting and landscaping.

Russell, presenting for staff, said crews removed roughly 110 cubic yards of mud during a September cleaning that exposed previously hidden deterioration. He described a proposed construction-manager-at-risk delivery to limit the city's exposure to unknown structural repairs and to allow early contractor input on demolition and re-stacking of rock veneer.

Estimated costs provided in the presentation included roughly $4.0 million for the basic improvements (with about $2.1 million budgeted as contingency for possible structural repairs) and an approximate overall project estimate near $7.0 million; the council approved up to $895,000 to fund phase 1 design and the amended professional-services agreement with the consultant to proceed with design, geotechnical work and procurement of a CMAR.

Council discussion emphasized safety, preserving the landmark visitor experience, and the need for a maintenance plan once work is complete. The council approved the funding and the professional-services amendment by voice vote.