The Taylorville Park Board learned more about a second likely bidder to take on the construction of a new pool at Manners Park. St. Louis-based Landmark Aquatic presented their portfolio and ideas at a special meeting. Landmark joins Capri Pools & Aquatics as the two interested contractors so far in this round of bids.
Small Town Taylorville President Steve Craggs attended the special meeting. He played a notable role in finding prospective design and construction firms, including Capri and Landmark. Craggs noted that Landmark handles both design and build, which will help with handling costs. The company’s initial construction estimate is $7.8 million, which is just under the $8 million the Park District had budgeted.
The Park Board voted to formally submit a Request For Proposals (RFP) so that vendors can make their proposals. Regional Radio News obtained a copy of the RFP. It details what is expected of vendors in terms of planning, financing, documentation, and other logistics. The Park District intends to hold in-depth interviews with vendors who submit bids on July 29 before selecting a vendor to proceed with on August 5. They target the construction beginning on March 2, 2026, with hopes that the project is completed by May 3, 2027.
Meanwhile, the Park District is still locked in a contract with Burbach Aquatics in past efforts to build a new pool. Board member Sherri Craggs says a lawyer with mutual ties has offered his services for free in any litigation needed to back out of the contract.
The board voted to take up the lawyer on that offer.
The Park District is expected to receive another financial boost in the form of a $600,000 grant. Recreation Director Jessica Franks notes that unlike in previous years, they are not required to match the grant to receive it this time.
Franks noted that the grant money would be used at Jayne’s Park for refurbishing the tennis/pickleball and basketball courts and making those spaces and others ADA-compliant. The board voted to proceed with the grant.
The next regular meeting for the Park Board is tentatively set for July 28.
