Aquatic Center Construction Delayed

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The following is an Oro Valley press release regarding a delay in the opening of the 50-meter pool from August until mid September. This delay will cause Oro Valley swim teams to seek other facilities this fall. There is no indication in the press release if the delay will result in additional cost to the town.

We  disagree with the press release in one regard.  Anyone with experience in renovating just about anything that is relatively old, knows that there are no "unforseen circumstances".  Problems such was weather delays during monsoon season and hidden (to the naked eye) structural problems should be anticipated.  Problems like this always happen in projects of the nature of reconstructing anything.  To not anticipate these problems indicates a lack of expertise on the part of those responsible for the managing and doing the reconstruction.

This delay and in our opinion the lack of anticipating structural and weather problems  are two more reasons for our town council to convene a special session regarding this facility, a special session of which we have written.  Despite the best efforts of a vocal minority Zinkin, Burns and Garner to convene this meeting, not one of the remaining four council members would agree to do so.
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ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (August 14, 2012) - Due to unforeseen circumstances, the completion date for Phase I of the Aquatic Center expansion project (the 50-meter pool) has been extended to mid-September. Crews have been working hard to meet the original August deadline, including construction seven days a week, but additional time is needed due to monsoon storm activity and unanticipated structure issues that were discovered, such as damaged/rusted rebar, cracks on the bottom of the existing pool, and delaminated sections of concrete.

“When renovating a 40-year-old pool, these types of unforeseen circumstances can arise,” said Town Manager Greg Caton. “However, we continue to make sound decisions that will ensure a quality facility for the next 40-plus years. That includes revising our original completion date for Phase I.”

One of the immediate challenges with the updated completion date is finding a pool facility for Oro Valley’s swim teams. Town staff has worked diligently to ensure that all teams will have a facility in which to train.

Amphitheater High School has graciously agreed to accommodate students from the Ironwood Ridge and Canyon Del Oro high school swim teams.  Flowing Wells High School will open their facility to the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy swim team.

The Town is planning a milestone celebration for the completion of Phase I—details are forthcoming. Phase I includes only the 50-meter, Olympic-sized pool. All other elements, such as the slide, splash pad, 25-yard pool, meeting room and family restrooms, are included in Phase II which is scheduled for completion by March 2013.
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