Newton park bond projects out for bid

Newton is closer to seeing its park bond projects come to fruition.

The city council on July 24 approved resolutions as part of the consent agenda to solicit bids from contractors for the Westwood Golf Course Clubhouse project, Maytag Pool improvements and the construction of pickleball courts at Aurora Park, which were all part of the $1.6 million bond that passed last year.

Brian Laube, director of community services, told Newton News the bid openings for these three park projects will occur in late August, with public hearings and council agenda items for each project considering award of contract during the Sept. 5 city council meeting at city hall.

Until bids are opened, city staff will not know the cost of each project, which are to be paid for using bond funds, grants and private donations. Staff have estimated the clubhouse to cost $1.9 million and the pickleball courts to cost about $300,000. City documents showed no estimate for pool improvements.

Of the three projects, the clubhouse is likely to be most anticipated in the community. For many years city leaders have lamented the poor shape and disadvantages that came with the past-its-prime clubhouse. Even though the clubhouse may not be up to snuff, the course is very well-received.

Laube said since staff have been able to increase the annual number of golf rounds played at Westwood Golf Course each of the past four years, the new clubhouse will only help in continuing this trend. In 2022, the city saw the highest number of golf rounds played at the golf course in the past 13 years.

Current year-to-date numbers in 2023 project another year of increased play.

Plans and specifications for the clubhouse have been prepared by ISG, Inc. If the bid price is acceptable to council members, demolition of the old clubhouse could begin in mid- to late September. The final completion date of the project would be on Aug. 1, 2024.

Pool improvements were prepared by Burbach Aquatics of Platteville, Wisc.

The project will include the removal of existing shallow-end fountains and seating area, installation of a new shallow-end play structure, replacement of the existing three-meter diving board with a new three-meter diving board with stair access, shade structure upgrades, piping upgrades underneath the shallow end and zip-line play feature.

The substantial completion date of the pool improvements is expected to be June 3, 2024. Work would begin as early as mid- to late September.

Bolton & Menk prepared the plans and specifications for the four pickleball courts at Aurora Park. Construction could also start as early as mid- to late September, and could be completed by May 31, 2024.