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City reports mold at Whittier Rec Center; staff outline repair estimate and discuss transfer to schools
Summary
Parks staff told the Jan. 7, 2025 study session that concealed water damage at Whittier Recreation Center revealed black mold; remediation was estimated at $150,000–$200,000, with about $37,000 potentially attributable to a contractor. Staff discussed transferring the building to the school district pending legal review and finance committee consideration.
At the Jan. 7, 2025 Norman City Council study session, parks staff reported that a plumbing failure at the Whittier Recreation Center uncovered concealed water damage and black mold, and provided a preliminary remediation estimate.
Jason (parks staff) described the initial discovery: a quick-connect hose left on in a mop closet allowed water to reach concealed spaces, and when staff opened the walls they found mold growth. He said contractors have been working on remediation for approximately two weeks and estimated full remediation will be "somewhere in a 150 to $200,000 range." Jason added that about $37,000 of the cleanup — the portion for standard cleanup before mold removal — may be attributable to the cleaning contractor "if their insurance company will accept that." The session did not record any insurance determination.
Parks staff said they immediately relocated the after-school program to the library and reopened the facility gym (a concrete surface) because concrete is less conducive to mold growth. Jason recommended prioritizing repairs to the after-school room and restrooms to restore childcare services quickly.
The presentation prompted discussion about longer-term ownership and maintenance. Staff recalled prior conversations about transferring Irving and Whittier buildings to Norman Public Schools; the district has bond proceeds budgeted for Irving and Whittier but, as Jason explained, cannot spend those funds unless it owns the buildings. Staff said they are "in the place where we are good with transferring these buildings to the school" if legal pathways allow, and described a potential long-term leaseback arrangement that would let the city rent a room for childcare at nominal cost.
Council members raised equity and access concerns. Several members warned that closing or transferring neighborhood rec centers could reduce access for South Norman residents, many of whom live south of Robinson, and asked staff to consider replacement locations or partnerships that preserve neighborhood programming.
Jason also noted operating pressures: custodial expense for the buildings is about $30,000 a year, and the parks maintenance crew (33 staff) is stretched across many facilities. Several council members urged staff to bring detailed options, legal analysis and cost comparisons to the finance committee for vetting before council action.
At the end of the discussion, council directed staff to advance repair and ownership options to the finance committee and to return to council with recommendations.
