Update 10:30 p.m. The Billings City Council approved the concept plan and contract with A&E Architects for $149,000.
BILLINGS – Up before Billings City Council Monday night is a plan to award a contract for the possible South Billings Aquatic and Recreation Center concept development plan.
Back in September, the city sealed the purchase of 10 acres of land near the area of Amend Park for the potential use of a large recreation center that could house an ice rink, indoor swimming pools and indoor courts for volleyball and tennis.
The cost of the land came in at $934,500 while the city had $1.2 million budgeted for it.
According to the city’s Oct. 22 agenda, a study was completed in the 2017-2018 budget to determine the needs in Billings for local and regional recreation and sports needs. Victus Advisors did that study and found there is a large need for indoor aquatics, courts and ice facilities.
The concept development plan for the facility is now how the city plans to move forward. That plan is expected to be completed in April of 2019.
Monday, the council is expected to either approve or deny a contract with A&E Architects for $149,803 to complete the South Billings Aquatic and Recreation Center concept development plan.
Those with the Billings Planning Department told Q2 News previously that the South Side is a perfect area for the potential recreation center because of the vacant land the city was able to purchase, but also because of urban renewal funds.
The city took ownership of the land at the Council’s Oct. 3 meeting.
