The new Fairgrounds Aquatic Center remains on track for a May 29 opening.

Last week a new asphalt parking lot and a concrete apron were laid down. Patio furnishings were on order with delivery expected well before opening day. And a fill test will be held this week to check pool equipment and water systems.

Mexico Parks and Recreation director Chad Shoemaker remains confident of hitting the target date.

“There’s really not a whole lot that can happen weather-wise to stop us,” he said.

Demolition of the old facility began on July 9, 2020, and the project has proceeded much as expected. The only real snag was the discovery of two thick concrete footers buried deep in the ground that blocked the dig for two swimming lanes.

Apparently during construction on the old pool in the 1980s, workers decided to build what amounted to a wall to support the structure. Planners for the new center were unaware the mass of concrete existed and the city was forced to seek additional funds to pay for the demolition.

“We ran into an unforeseen expense,” explained city manager Bruce Slagle.

The original contract with Westport Pools capped the project at $3.5 million. In July of last year, the council agreed to increase the amount to just over $3.6 million, increasing the size of the pool and adding a safer surfacing around the zero-depth entry.

It was in the new addition where Westport ran into the wall. The demolition cost an extra $15,500.

Shoemaker says there are sufficient funds in the city budget to cover the expense. The council approved the amendment to the contract.

“This was not the only discovery,” Shoemaker pointed out. “It’s the only one we couldn’t find offsets for.”

The patio furniture includes chaise lounges, chairs, barstools, tables of different sizes and a fiberglass bar. Furniture Leisure in Bunnell, Florida won the contract with a bid of $33,600. The city budgeted $61,000 overall for the purchase of pool equipment.

Over the past several months Parks and Recreation staff have been working toward a fee structure. Early on they gravitated toward a $5 entry fee.

Recently they settled on $5, with children three and under free of charge. The structure includes 10 packs and passes. A monthly pass runs $80, representing a 35 percent discount from the daily fee. A season pass is $150, which amounts to a 50 percent savings.

Funds from the fees, as well as lessons and facility rentals are expected to cover the cost of the loan received to pay for construction of the new pool. The fee structure could change.

“We’re cautiously optimistic the $5 fee will get us where we want to be on cost recovery,” Shoemaker said.

The Fairgrounds Aquatic Center hours will be 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily for pass holders. For all others it will be 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

“This will do two things,” Shoemaker explained. “It will break up the concession rush and give the pass a little more value.”

Christensen Construction of Kingdom City received the contract for the parking area and apron.