The city council approves a lower bid for repairs to the Rec Center

**Moisture damage to the wooden floor of the Arkadelphia Recreation Center will likely force the gym’s closure for most of the summer of 2024.** | *Arkadelphian.com file photo*

By JOE MAY | The Southern Standard

Water under a wood floor will likely lead to the closure of the recreation center’s gym for most of the summer, Arkadelphia City Manager Gary Brinkley told city council members Tuesday evening, June 18, 2024.

Brinkley said the floorboards near the concession end of the gym began to show a “soft spot,” which was then followed by buckling of the floor of about 6 inches. Investigation showed that there was water under the floor. Apparently there are two water pipes under the floor and there may have been leaks, or the moisture may come from rainwater infiltration.

Two bids were requested and the cheapest option appears to be cutting the water pipes to allow the area to dry out, allowing the floorboards to go back down when the moisture recedes. If this happens, the city will only be out $36,900. If the maple floorboards need to be replaced, it can cost as much as $119,000.

At the suggestion of Director Jason Jones, the board approved the $36,900 option.

In other matters the board will:

• Forgoing the construction of sidewalks on 17th Street and Caddo Street.

• Heard a water utility construction report from Superintendent David Green.