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The largest city pavilion at Drake Field, originally completed in 2018, has been temporarily closed after concerns arose over its integrity. Rotting wood was discovered within the pavilion, prompting immediate safety precautions.
Recently, a structural engineer inspected the facility and recommended that it remain closed until temporary safety measures can be implemented. The engineer will provide short-term plans to shore up the pavilion, allowing it to reopen once those reinforcements are in place. A more permanent solution will then be developed to address the structural issues in the long term.
The pavilion project was initially bid at $391,698 in 2018. However, following negotiations between John Rory, City Manager at that time, and the lowest bidder, the project cost was lowered to $280,000 by choosing a lumber package differentfrom the one originally specified in the bid. Meeting minutes from March 15, 2018, outline this decision.
Unfortunately, the lumber selected during that process used as a cost-cutting measure now shows signs of significant deterioration, leading to the current concerns and closure.
City officials are working to address the situation promptly and will provide updates as the temporary and long-term plans progress.
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