New Aquatic Center and Recreation Center Bids Due in August

Henry County has two major parks & recreation projects out for construction bids. Contractors’ proposals are due in mid-August for the new aquatic center and Mt. Carmel Recreation Center.

Both projects are part of SPLOST V. The board will consider approving build contracts this fall.

Bids Due in August

Henry County is using a request for proposals for both projects. This process includes contractors submitting a proposal, to include their experience and qualifications, to build the project. The county can host interviews with the finalists to learn more about the company. They will then negotiate a price with the selected firm. Henry County typically takes 2–3 months to review the proposals.

Proposals for the two projects are due as follows:

• Henry County Aquatic Center – Thursday, August 10.
• Mt. Carmel Recreation Center – Wednesday, August 9.

The aquatic center proposal was originally due on July 13. The county has postponed it at contractors’ request. The dates above are subject to further revisions or postponements.

If the due dates remain in mid-August, then the board could consider awarding a contract this fall.

Project Details

The aquatic center will be located at 1177 Henry Parkway Connector. This is located off the back side of Cotton Fields Golf Course in McDonough. Access will be via the four-lane Henry Parkway. The Georgia 20 widening, now under construction, will connect with the parkway. This will open up additional travel options to reach the site.

The aquatic center has two parts: an indoor venue and outdoor water park. The building features a 50-meter competition pool and therapy warm pool. Outdoors there will be a zero-entry lazy river, activity pool and other water features / slides. Site work also includes two parking lots and a new road to serve the venue.

The new recreation center will be a 39,000 square foot facility, according to county reports. It will have two basketball courts as well as a fitness center and walking track. There will also be rooms available for classes and / or events. The new recreation center will compliment the existing soccer fields and playground at North Mt. Carmel Park.

Project Costs

The SPLOST V program set aside $22 million to build the aquatic center and $6 million for the recreation center. The county had $2 million set aside for additional recreation centers. They merged this funding with the Mt. Carmel Recreation Center to provide $8 million.

Construction costs are unknown until the county receives proposals, selects a finalist and negotiates a contract price. Some insight can be gained however from similar projects. A new YMCA is under construction in Monroe, GA. Its budget was $15 million dollars. The building will measure about 36,000 square feet. It also includes an indoor pool for high school swim teams.

Bryan County, near Savannah, opened a new gymnasium earlier this year for $7.5 million. Their building measures 19,000 square feet — about half what’s planned at Mt. Carmel. In 2021, Clayton County opened a new 32,000 sq ft recreation center. It had an $11 million dollar price tag.

Featured image shows an architectural rendering for the Mt Carmel Recreation Center. Henry County photo.