The Newcastle Sports Complex expansion project is the latest to be hit with inflationary costs that are leading to downsizing the project.
City Manager Kevin Self said, “Due to inflation, phase I estimated construction costs far exceed the awarded grant amount. Unfortunately, many cities are facing the same situation.
“City staff is currently working with the Oklahoma Tourism Department to revise the phase I scope of work in an effort to reduce costs to a level supported by the award amount.”
The City received a $1.6 million grant three years ago, according to Mayor Karl Nail, and the amount is not enough to cover the plans that were made before inflation.
Originally announced was 519 parking spaces, ADA compliance, expanded turf ball fields, central concessions, restrooms, public play spaces, picnic areas, walking trails, a retention pond, covered bleacher seating and dugouts.
Self said the City has been having conversations with Oklahoma Tourism, the granting agency, and once the scope of the work is revised, it will go back to the federal level for review.
“If approved, the city will likely receive an additional year to complete the revised phase I,” Self said. “Currently the grant award is locked in for Newcastle; however, we will not know the final status until the revisions have been reviewed.”
Some area residents had complained on social media about the facility, but some concerns were addressed by City Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Marks.
“Port-a-potties are going to be removed this week. We ordered them until a major leak could be fixed,” Marks said. “Now that the leak is fixed, crews will be there to clean them so they are ready for use. After our crews have them cleaned little league will be responsible for maintaining them.”
The University of Oklahoma Automotive and Heavy Equipment Mechanic
