Redevelopment Commission approves $21,600 change order to ease equipment access at Hammond Sports complex

The Hammond Redevelopment Commission voted to approve Change Order No. 2 for Bauer Construction, authorizing a $21,600 modification to the Hammond Sports expansion and renovation project to enlarge an opening so portable basketball hoops can be moved into storage.

City engineering staff said the change was owner‑initiated after facility managers reported that the existing door openings are too small to move the portable hoops through safely and efficiently. "It's nearly impossible to get the portable basketball hoops through the doors in the sports plex that were part of the original construction," the city engineer told commissioners, and the work will allow equipment to be stored out of play areas during volleyball tournaments and other events.

Staff told the commission the adjustment will not push the project over budget; the presenter said the renovation remains roughly $230,000 under the original budget allocation. Commissioners asked brief questions focused on safety and aesthetic impact. A motion to approve the change order was made and seconded; the commission approved the measure on a 5–0 roll call.

The change order is intended to improve equipment handling and reduce on‑court storage during events. The commission did not identify a new implementation date for the work; staff said they would follow up with construction scheduling and notify the commission when the contractor schedules the modification.