Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Township approves Halff design contract for Waterway Square fountain renovation
Loading...
Summary
The Woodlands Township board on March 19 approved Task Order 19C with Halff for design, bidding and construction oversight of the Waterway Square fountain and interactive water feature, formally authorizing the township CEO to execute documents; design fee presented was $384,942.50 and construction is anticipated to follow the design phase.
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors voted March 19 to approve a design and procurement task order for a long‑planned renovation of the Waterway Square fountain and adjacent interactive water feature.
John McGowan, the township’s director of Parks and Recreation, told the board the fountain has experienced freeze damage, structural deterioration and failed waterproofing that have limited programming and interior lighting since 2018. “Project goals … modify the existing installation to simplify operation and maintenance, redesign water effects in the ellipse pool, lighting systems, [and] background music,” McGowan said, summarizing the approach to make the installation maintainable long term.
The board considered a $384,942.50 design and bid‑phase task order with Halff (presented by “Chris,” a Halff representative). Chris said Halff would prepare design drawings, coordinate materials testing and permitting, put the project out to bid, review contractors and provide construction oversight. “The goal of the project [is] a functioning fountain that draws people out into the public spaces that The Woodlands Township can maintain long term,” Chris said.
Board members noted that the 2025 budget had earmarked approximately $3.5 million for renovation and that staff aims to come in under that figure. McGowan and the consultant said final construction pricing will depend on bid results; McGowan said earlier repair estimates had exceeded $3 million and that the construction schedule, once procured, is anticipated to be roughly eight to ten months.
Director Heizer moved to approve Task Order 19C and Director Nelson seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote. The resolution authorized the township CEO to execute the necessary documentation as approved by township legal counsel.
Next steps outlined by staff: finalize design documents and permitting, solicit competitive bids later in the year, present bids to the board for award and begin construction pending a contract—during which staff said they will seek packaging options to prioritize essential work and offer lower‑cost alternates.
The board’s action is limited to approving the design and procurement task order; final construction contracts and total costs will be determined after the bid phase.
