On Wednesday, July 1, the Corvallis School Board approved a $5.2 million construction bid to begin repairs on the Osborn Aquatic Center. The approval moves the facility closer to reopening, but it’s not a guarantee.
The structural repairs will come first, and it appears the District has the dollars in hand to get most of those done. However, to get the center reopened, they will need another $1.2 million to replace some ailing systems.
“The project budget has been adjusted to reflect the current bid and ongoing value engineering efforts. Currently, there is a $1.2 million funding gap. The District is engaging in a capital fundraising campaign and applying for grants to secure the remaining funds,” said District spokesperson Kelly Locey. “If the necessary funds are not secured before May of 2027, the District will cancel the pool liner and HVAC units associated with the current contract. Should this happen, the District will re-bid those specific portions of the project once the funding is secured.”
And yeah, however long the pool liner and HVAC replacements are delayed, reopening would likewise be delayed, according to Locey.
How we got here, What needs to be done
The Osborn Aquatic Center is operated by the City of Corvallis Parks & Rec Department, but the building is owned by the School District, which is responsible for maintaining the building’s structure and major systems.
Osborn closed in October 2024 following a structural failure caused by significant corrosion of the natatorium roof’s structural steel. To mitigate immediate risk, the City of Corvallis installed a shoring system to secure the roof structure.
The approved scope of work addresses these structural issues, replaces the HVAC infrastructure, and brings the facility into compliance with basic safety standards. Basically, the HVAC and pool liners will come last, which gives the District time to try and secure the funding – so hopefully, that happens.
Procurement Process
To get the work done, the District initiated a formal competitive bidding process that included prequalifying bidders and advertising a solicitation for bids. Bids were received on June 4, and the Board approved the recommended bid from Eagle Mountain Construction, like we said, on July 1.
If you’re interested in contributing, the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation is a local nonprofit that helps the District meet financial challenges. You can visit their website at https://www.cpsfoundation.org/
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