Aquatics center project on track, Lawton officials say

Foundation work has been done on all but the pool at the new aquatics complex being built in Elmer Thomas Park.

Parks and Recreation Director Larry Parks said the $19.2 million project being done by Miller-Tippens Construction is a little ahead of schedule, as crews work toward the July Fourth Weekend opening date that the City Council has said it wants for city families.

Parks said the lazy river course has been set and is ready to go, although the contractor still needs to add soil at the top of the channel to level out the area. The foundation for the main building for the complex has been done, meaning the work on the pool itself is the final foundation work waiting for completion. Parks said contractors were digging the site out earlier this week, but he expected work to stop because of the snow expected in the area.

Continuing work means power to the area will remain off for at least another week, Parks said. City officials said Jan. 3 that restrooms near the splash pad and Children United Playground would be without electricity — meaning they would be closed — because of the wiring that had to be done for the new aquatics center.

Despite the delays this week, the work “is all on target,” Parks said of the facility that is being built on Prairie Dog Way, between Northwest 3rd and Northwest 6th streets.

The $19.2 million facility will feature pools with diving boards and lap lane, a lazy river, changing rooms/restrooms, a concessions area that will be able to serve the park in