The City of Vicksburg can build a new and larger pavilion at City Park for less than it would cost to reroof the present structure, North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield said.
Mayfield said Friday he and South Ward Aldermen Willis Thompson have been investigating the cost of building a new pavilion at the park for less than the estimated $350,000 price to put a new roof on the current pavilion, which is estimated to be about 50 years old. He said he has contacted two companies that specialize in metal structures for estimates and was awaiting a third estimate.
He declined to name the companies until he heard from the third firm.
“Right now, adding 20 feet (north) in length and possibly 10 to 20 feet (west) in width, with a concrete foundation, we’re looking at — just by the first two quotes — as being under $100,000 with installation, that means having an outside company coming in and erecting it,” he said prior to a Board of Mayor and Aldermen work session on the city’s fiscal 2015 budget.
“Beyond a shadow of a doubt, for less than half (the cost of a new pavilion roof) we can have something nice,” he said, adding the city should also consider including the restrooms near the pavilion.
Based on the estimates — “and the one that’s coming” — he said, the restrooms south of the pavilion can be included with the project “for $140,000 to $160,000.”
Mayfield said after the meeting that preliminary plans would extend the fence surrounding the pavilion, and its roof, about 20 feet to include the restroom. The restroom will not be physically moved, he said.
“So it helps to go shopping,” Mayor George Flaggs said, “I think y’all (Mayfield and Thompson) have done good.”
Mayfield and Thompson began examining the feasibility of a new pavilion at City Park after learning at an Aug. 15 budget work session from building maintenance supervisor Sammie Rainey that the estimate for a new roof for the metal structure was $350,000. At the time, Mayfield said he would rather build a new structure for the cost of the roof.
Located at the north end of the park by Lee Street, the pavilion is a popular site for parties, barbecues, family reunions, church functions and other group activities.
It was also the scene of a June 22, 2013, fight that broke out during a party involving about 400 people in which a Vicksburg Post photographer covering the melee was hit in the mouth by someone fleeing the area. Police later arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the assault.