Board approves phase 2 plans for Shields Tiger Performance Center

The Cedar Falls Community School District board approved plans, specifications and the form of contract for phase 2 of the Shields Tiger Performance Center on Monday, advancing the final phase of a multi‑year project that administrators said is funded primarily by gifts and a federal grant.

Architect Tim Turness of Envision told the board the work to be bid includes exterior signage and lighting, interior finishes, permanent HVAC separate from the pool system, three types of athletic flooring (a nearly 200‑meter track, multi‑sport rubber courts and a turf area) and an athletic equipment package that will include relocated hoops and divider curtains. Turness said the project has been preplanned with mechanical access and prefabricated wall foundations to ease construction of the multi‑phase project.

The administration reiterated that phase 1 was funded by gifts through the district foundation and naming rights; phase 2 is roughly an $8–$9 million project, and the district said a reported $50,000 community grant would be part of that total but not decisive to the overall scope. The board was told the city council had not yet approved that grant.

Board discussion focused on surface protection for mixed uses, HVAC separation from the natatorium and opportunities to maximize community use without damaging specialty surfaces. Director questions were answered by district staff and Turness; no additional tax levy was associated with the approval. A motion to approve the plans and proposed contract form was made and seconded and carried by voice vote.

The district said bids for the phase 2 work were scheduled to be received later in the week; the board did not adopt a final construction contract amount at the meeting and will return to bid review when proposals are opened.