Title
Update; Recreation Center and Library Feasibility Study
Requested Action
Project Update
Recommendation
Project Update
Description/History
The recently adopted 2020 Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan included a multi-generational recreation center as the highest priority project in the 10-year plan. Following direction from City Council during the February workshop, the Community Services Department is proposing to complete a feasibility study and develop conceptual design options for a potential co-located multi-generational recreation center and library facility. The desired program amenities to be housed in this facility include: library spaces for children, teens and adults, multi-use gymnasiums, fitness and wellness amenities, multi-use classrooms/meeting rooms, banquet facilities with kitchen, indoor walking track, indoor aquatic center (leisure pool, therapy pool and lap lanes), children’s play areas, administrative offices, storage and mechanical space, and outdoor park and aquatic facilities.
The consultant agreement specifically includes, but is not limited to the following:
• Analysis of site alternatives
• Development of multiple conceptual designs
• Program and space use plans
• Operational budget pro-forma
• Construction cost estimation and schedule
• Community engagement facilitation services
The planning process will include a series of steering committee and public input meetings, with regular updates provided to the City Council, MPFDC and Library Board throughout the duration of the project. The project will conclude with a final presentation to City Council, currently anticipated in September 2021. The team of Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture, Pacheco Koch, June Garcia and Water Technology, Inc. was chosen based on multiple factors, including: qualifications of personnel; project schedule; experience with similar projects; references and reputation; methodology; and the architectural team’s capability to perform all aspects of the work.
May 2021 - A kick-off meeting with the consultant team is scheduled for May 19th to discuss the project scope and schedule. The first steering committee meeting and public meeting are tentatively scheduled for June 8th.
June 2021 - The first steering committee workshop and public meeting were held at the Vernon Newsom Community Room on June 8th. The steering committee was provided with a project overview by the consultant team from Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture (BRS). BRS then guided the committee through some exercises to help define the project vision, goals and objectives. The workshop ended with programming exercise to help define the program space needs for the recreation center and library.
The first public meeting followed the committee workshop at 6:30pm. The meeting was well attended with 56 residents present. BRS provided an overview presentation that covered the project background, project process and schedule, and national trends. The attendees ended the meeting by providing input on what kind of amenities and activities that they would like to see provided in the proposed facility. The consultant team and steering committee engaged with the attendees and answered questions for more than an hour after the formal presentation.
A project survey was launched at the conclusion of the public meeting and will be open until July 11th. The second steering committee workshop and public meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 7th at a location to be determined.
July 2021 - The second steering committee workshop and public meeting were held at the Mansfield Activities Center on July 7th. The consultant team (BRS) provided the steering committee with a summary of the feedback collected at the meetings in June, as well as a recap the tours of local libraries and recreation centers that were completed in late June. BRS then guided the committee through some exercises to help refine the project vision, mission and goals. The steering committee dedicated time to refining the wish list of program spaces to include in a future multigenerational facility. The last portion of the workshop gathered information about the types of aquatic features that are needed in the facility and provided an overview of the proposed site.
The second public meeting followed the committee workshop at 6:30pm. The meeting was well attended with 26 residents present. BRS provided an overview presentation that covered the project background, project process and a summary of the feedback collected at the first public meeting. The attendees ended the meeting by providing input on what kind of aquatic amenities and activities that they would like to see provided in the proposed facility. The consultant team and steering committee engaged with the attendees and answered questions for more than an hour after the formal presentation.
A project survey was launched on June 8th and will be open until July 11th. As of July 7th, more than 1,400 surveys have been completed by Mansfield residents.
The next steering committee workshop is tentatively scheduled for the first week in August.
August 2021 - The steering committee held its third workshop on August 2nd. The primary purpose of the workshop was to refine the wish list priorities and help define a potential project budget. The consultant team is currently revising the spaces and cost estimates in preparation for the final presentation to City Council on August 23rd. Phase two of the project will create building layouts and site renderings and is scheduled to begin in September.
September 2021 - The steering committee held its fourth workshop on September 9th to review the draft presentation scheduled for the City Council’s September 13th work session. Following direction from the City Council, staff will make the presentation to the Citizen Bond Committee in October for their consideration. Phase two of the project will create building layouts and site renderings and is scheduled to begin in September.
October 2021 - Staff made the phase one presentation to the Citizen Bond Committee on October 19th for consideration of a May 2022 bond election. The consultant team is working on phase two of the project that will create a building layout, three facility renderings and an operational pro-forma. The final two steering committee workshops have been scheduled for October 19th and November 9th. The final report is due to the City by November 19th.
November 2021 - The steering committee met on October 19th for workshop #4 and November 9th for workshop #5. The consultant team is finalizing work on phase two of the project that will create a building layout, three facility renderings and an operational pro-forma. The final report is due to the City for review by November 19th. A brief update on the final report will be provided to the City Council at their December 13th meeting.
January 2022 - Matt Young provided an update on phase two of the project to the City Council at their December 13th meeting. The consultant is creating three additional renderings of the facility’s interior spaces. The final report with facility renderings will be completed by the end of the month.
Justification
The Mansfield Public Library and Mansfield Activities Center opened in 2001 when the City’s population was 35,000. The current population of Mansfield is estimated at 76,000 and growing. As the population has grown, so has the demand for educational and recreational activities for all age groups including programs, events, fitness and rentals.
Funding Source
MPFDC ½ cent sales tax
Prepared By
Matt Young, Director of Community Services
Matt.Young@mansfieldtexas.gov
817-728-3397