After months of delays and construction challenges, Steven L. Schainker Plaza is expected to open to the public on Monday.
Most construction work is finished, but a few repairs and state approval remain before the public can use the new downtown attraction just east of Ames City Hall. However, city staff are still optimistic that the north and east portions of the project, including the building and splash pad area, will be ready for visitors.
“The new plaza will provide a much-needed place for people to gather and for children to play throughout the year,” said Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham in a news release. “While the project delays have been disappointing, we are excited to see a portion of the plaza opening soon.”
The plaza will be open from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. The splash pad is operational from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Visitors can turn on the water using the motion-activated sensors at the top of the white bollards.
The Ames City Council discussed the plaza’s next steps at its Tuesday meeting. The council was not required to take any action.
The opening follows a settlement agreement approved by the council in February between the city and Henkel Construction, the project’s general contractor. Under that agreement, the contractor was required to complete most remaining work by May 22. City staff later negotiated an extension after several items remained unfinished.
Ice ribbon work set for fall
Although much of the plaza will open Monday, the project’s ice-skating ribbon remains unfinished.
Under the settlement agreement, Henkel Construction will remove and replace the ice ribbon beginning no earlier than September, unless both sides agree to start sooner. The entire project, including all ice ribbon work, must be completed by Nov. 15 at no cost to the city.
Repairs still needed
While most work unrelated to the ice ribbon has been completed, several items remain unresolved.
A problem with the nozzles in the splash pad is still being investigated. Many of the nozzles become submerged in water and stop working properly when other splash pad features are operating. Officials said any permanent repair is likely to occur only after Sept. 1.
Several concrete repairs also remain. Chipped concrete near the plaza building’s roof line and inside an east restroom still needs repair. The contractor responsible for that work is expected to be available the week of June 15.
City staff also raised concerns about a damaged section of concrete walkway near the food truck area. Rather than replacing it immediately, officials agreed the section would be removed and replaced during future work on the ice ribbon.
Another issue involves bicycle parking areas: the concrete pads installed for bike racks are smaller than specified in the project plans. The contractor plans to replace them later this year. Until then, the city will provide a temporary bicycle rack.
State inspection required
The splash pad must also receive final approval from state inspectors before it can open.
During a pre-opening inspection on May 27, state officials identified several items that needed correction. Some issues were considered major and must be fixed before the city can receive an operating license.
Temporary splash pad rule signs have also been installed while permanent signs are being produced.
Final touches before the opening
Meanwhile, city crews are preparing the plaza for visitors. Workers installed four concrete pads and benches, and Adirondack chairs have been delivered and will be assembled before opening. Additional tables and seating are expected to arrive by July 1.
Temporary fencing around the ice ribbon is scheduled for installation soon. Once that fence is in place, the contractor will remove the fencing surrounding the rest of the plaza.
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