Edwards field house project on schedule

EDWARDS, Colorado ” Plans to construct a $6.5 million field house in Edwards are on schedule, with groundbreaking on the project slated for April, said Western Eagle County Metro Recreation District director Scott Russell.

It could have been a different story if the district hadn’t taken out the $4-million voter-approved bond when it did, Russell said.

“We did a great job of getting our bonds issued ” the interest rates kicked up right after,” Russell said. “Now is a great time to be building.”

The 38,000 square-foot project ” which will be partially funded by the $4-million bond passed in 2002 ” will have indoor volleyball and basketball courts, and soccer fields. The building would host children’s activities in the afternoon and adult leagues in the evening.

The county approved the leasing of the Miller Ranch land in Edwards for the field house in October, and is still weighing whether to commit funding to the project for construction of a Sheriff’s Office substation and a community meeting room.

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Commissioner Sara Fisher said the board has yet to examine the entire capitol improvements fund, which is where the money for the construction would come from.

“There are a number of things that we haven’t had a chance to look at yet,” Fisher said. “We’re mindful of the fact that revenues are going to be down significantly with the county ” there are lot competing interests.”

Russell said the district would be happy to have the Sheriff’s Office in the building.

“We like it because of safety and the late-night activities,” Russell said.

But the project will go on regardless, he said.

“It’s their opportunity to get a space for a fraction of what it would cost for people to build on their own,” Russell said. “If they do or if they don’t, it doesn’t effect our timeline.”

The district hopes to have a request for proposal completed soon and a construction manager chosen by mid-December.

Russell said they plan to have artist renderings of the project completed by early February.

“We’re really excited,” Russell said. “It’s going to be a great place.”

Staff Writer Chris Outcalt can be reached at 970-748-2931 or coutcalt@vaildaily.com.