Mooresville’s Pioneer Park is set for updates, but initial project estimates have prompted some revisions. After the initial estimates for the Pioneer Park renovation project came in exceeding $9 million, adjustments are being made to ensure the improvements remain within budget.
During the Mooresville Park Board meeting on May 13th, Park Superintendent Phil Cornelius detailed the modifications to the planned enhancements at Pioneer Park in Mooresville, IN. Cornelius explained the initial approach, stating, “At the beginning of the year, we initiated the build-operate-transfer (BOT) process. As part of this, we engaged Meyer Najem, a construction firm with certified estimators, to arrive at a concrete cost for the project.”
Cornelius indicated that the initial cost projection was anticipated to be higher than their targets. “We have since refined the project scope to reach a more conservative figure,” he added. “While it still slightly exceeds our initial projections, we are confident that through further detailed review and careful planning, we can achieve a cost that is agreeable for all parties involved.”
Location Map of Pioneer Park in Mooresville, IN, Illustrating Park Renovation Area
A significant change from the original Pioneer Park renovation plans involves stormwater management. The initial designs required two separate stormwater management systems for the park. However, after re-evaluating the site layout, the proposed new structures have been strategically repositioned to necessitate only one stormwater system, leading to considerable cost savings.
Further adjustments to the Pioneer Park plans include relocating the proposed pickleball courts and eliminating the planned basketball courts altogether. Cornelius justified this decision by saying, “Pioneer Park already offers two basketball courts. We determined that adding additional basketball facilities could be considered at a later stage. Our immediate priority is the development of pickleball courts to meet growing community interest.” The revised plan places the pickleball courts closer to the existing maintenance building, reduces the scale of the proposed parking area, and shifts the future maintenance facility’s location northward along County Line Road.
Park board member Brent Callahan expressed his desire for the board’s building committee to examine the updated plans in light of the initial high estimate. Callahan voiced concerns regarding the project’s initial cost, which spurred the need for these revisions.
Cornelius informed the board that the initial project estimate surpassed $9 million. “We have successfully reduced that figure to approximately $6 million,” Cornelius stated. “This represents a cost reduction of nearly $3 million, primarily in the area of ground infrastructure.”
“I believe it would be beneficial for the building committee to scrutinize these revisions and assess whether continuing with the BOT approach remains the most effective strategy, or if pursuing certain project components independently might be more advantageous,” Callahan suggested. He further requested that the committee review a survey incorporating a topographical map and detailed specifications for the proposed buildings.
“I am currently finding it challenging to envision how further cost reductions can be achieved to align with our available funding,” Callahan admitted.
Cornelius responded that the initial budget estimate for the Pioneer Park project was roughly $5 million, and the revised project scope is now approximately $1.5 million over that original funding target.
Board member Danny Shaw inquired about the availability of contingency funds should further cost reductions prove unfeasible.
“We are actively pursuing all available grant opportunities,” Cornelius affirmed. “In fact, I submitted a grant application this evening that, if approved, could contribute several hundred thousand dollars towards the project.”
Ultimately, the board unanimously approved a motion to task its building committee with reviewing the revised Pioneer Park renovation project plans and the associated cost estimates. This review will be crucial in ensuring the Pioneer Park Mooresville In updates are both beneficial for the community and financially responsible.
