Recreation Center Project Remains Within Budget

GREENVILLE, Texas — City officials say a recreation center project remains within budget despite construction costs climbing above $60 million through change orders. Daniel Starks, a city spokesperson, said Thursday the SportsPark and Reecy Davis recreation center project has approximately $687,000 in remaining funding from a total authorized budget of $70.7 million.

'While the construction portion of the project experienced approved increases through change orders, the project still remains within the total funding amount that was planned for the development as a whole,' Starks said. The Greenville City Council on Tuesday approved Change Order No. 21 for $368,556, pushing total construction costs to approximately $60.2 million from an original contract of $55.9 million.

Starks said the total project budget includes funding sources beyond the $65 million bond package approved by voters, including grants, interest and parkland dedication fees. Current total project costs are approximately $70 million, according to city figures.

Starks said contingency funding was built into the project from the beginning to account for unforeseen conditions, design coordination and other construction issues. He said many change orders result from field conditions and code requirements rather than owner-driven additions.

Parks and Recreation Director Brett Quarles presented Tuesday's change order, which included more than $303,000 in skate park enhancements along with mechanical, landscaping and mezzanine modifications. The facility remains on track for completion as construction continues through final activities, inspections and equipment installation, with a contractual completion date of June 15.