Edmond is growing and as a result, we have several new projects that are moving quickly. Some involve roads and transportation, some involve recreation – but regardless, it’s time for an update.
First, let’s talk swimming. In a three way partnership between the City, the public schools and the YMCA, Edmond is creating a modern full-service swimming center. Along with a competition swimming pool for the Edmond Public Schools, it includes a gymnasium, indoor track, and a fitness room for weight lifting and cardio exercise equipment. And yes, it includes a family aquatic area with lap swimming and aquatic exercise classes. For the young and the “young at heart” it will include a large indoor/outdoor slide and water spray features.
The competition swimming arena, which the voters approved in 2010, begins with an Olympic size pool (8 lane - 50 meters) with two movable bulk heads to adjust the pool size to serve either high school swim meets or other regional swim events that need the full pool length. With seating available for up to 1000, it will be invaluable to our city and to our schools – and will be used year-round.
The design should be completed in September. Bidding of the project should occur this fall, with construction beginning in early 2012, and completion anticipated in the spring of 2013.
As for softball, our new eight field complex will compliment the history and nostalgia of Route 66. At Post Road, this facility is replacing our current fields, and will be a host to regional softball competitions. Besides providing our citizens a great place to play softball, the new facility has the potential of attracting weekend visitors to our community. The city is already receiving calls from regional teams looking to hold tournaments at this park.
Design of the facility is virtually complete and should be ready to bid this summer. Construction of the facility will span the fall and winter months with summer completion of the complex. Turf will be given time to grow, with activities starting in fall of 2012.
Now to roads – the City Council is intensely focusing on infrastructure. Along with two million dollars in resurfacing projects this year, we have begun two large reconstruction and widening projects.
At Covell, from Mitch Park to Thomas, utilities are being relocated. The bidding process will start in fall, with construction likely to begin in February. This construction – after two decades of city planning – will complete another mile in the process of widening Covell. It is a direct result of Edmond’s master plan to widen Kelly and Covell - our “outer loop” – to move traffic congestion safer and quicker through our city.
Another necessary project is the bridge replacement at 15th and Bryant. This bridge no longer meets our city’s needs, and must be replaced. We are working with landowners to acquire the last right-of-way necessary, and expect to move forward on construction. The project has been designed to keep two lanes open – and while this will provide congestion during construction, safety necessitates this project.
Growing pains can hurt – but in the long run, we are making sound decisions as a community.
Let’s get moving,
Patrice Douglas, Mayor
Edmond Events
