by James Coulter
Be sure to burn as many calories as you can at the Kirkland Gymnasium while it’s still open. Because the local gym is expected to close for at least seven weeks as new flooring is installed.
At a workshop on Wed. Dec. 11, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an agenda item relating to the installation of new flooring at Kirkland Gymnasium, located at 409 N 3rd St. This item is one of many for the consent agenda for this week’s regular city commission meeting.
The gymnasium was the original high school gym, featuring a basketball court and weight room.
If approved, the City will spend $159,900 on replacing the floor the floor, and it will authorize a contract with Athletic Resources, Inc. to work on the proposed renovation.
Stephanie Lutton, Parks & Recreation Director, explained that the subflooring has been absorbing water and moisture, which is why the flooring needs to be replaced. She also explained vents will be installed to remove moisture.
City Manager James Slaton explained that the gym will most likely be closed for an estimated seven weeks for the flooring replacement to be completed. When asked if the gym’s closure would interfere with the current basketball season, he answered the season will have ended before then.
City Staff had considered three proposals from contractors for the proposed project: Athletic Resources, Inc., SSE & Associates, Inc., and Impact Sports Surfaces. Athletic Resources, Inc. was inevitably chosen.
As the city memo states: “This project is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and they are available funds to cover the additional $9,900.”
