DUANE SHERRILLEditor

The Tullahoma Parks and Recreation Department is on its way to building a new recreation maintenance building at Waggoner Park with a price tag of $632,780.

The proposal given by C&H Commercial Contractors was unanimously approved by the board of mayor and aldermen during their recent meeting, clearing the way for the project. However, one add-on to the planned project was that the contractor issue an itemized bill – something one audience member and a pair of aldermen insisted on.

Parks and Rec Director JP Kraft revealed that in 2010 parks and rec stored all their supplies under Grider Stadium. However, there was a restoration of the facilities there and they had to move their main storage to a location on Industrial Boulevard. He pointed out there have been three owners of the building and their storage rent used to be $1,100 a month but the building has since sold three times and the rent has more than doubled to $2,400.

I only see that going up,” Kraft said.

Kraft said he thinks relocating inside a city park as proposed will be the best location. He added that, as suggested earlier in the meeting, he can talk to C&H and get an itemized list. He said the proposed building is 5,000 square feet with a 1,000 square foot overhang.

Kraft noted that it is important to get a storage area that has a good climate as there are chemicals store there that could lose their effectiveness if stored in the open.

“Looks like we’re spending $25-30 thousand right now where we’re at and that’s going to catch up to us,” said Alderman Jerry Mathis. “We do need itemization so we know what’s going on.”

Kraft explained that there are several things that go into construction of such a facility, some of which is site work and utilities. He pointed out that during the recent construction of the restroom at the Johnson Lane Park, $300,000 of the $800,000 price tag was site work and utilities. He also noted Waggoner Park does not have sewer and the rear of the park does not have power.

“Where this particular building will go, we’ll have to bring power and water to the site,” he said.

Alderman Glick asked if the planned size will be big enough for the future. Kraft replied they have looked at larger options, up to 9,600 square feet but the prices have skyrocketed.

“I think it is important to have one central location to store things,” Kraft said. “To accept deliveries and start and end your day.”

Alderman Bobbie Wilson said she has long supported the city having its own facility.

“It makes no sense to pay somebody when we are always going to have a need for this,” she said.

The measure passed unanimously.