Moody Holds Groundbreaking for New Civic Center
Posted: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 8:12 pm | Updated: 3:16 pm, Wed Aug 12, 2015.
By DAVID ATCHISON, Home staff writer
MOODY – The official ground-breaking ceremony for the city’s new $6 million civic center was held Monday, shortly after officials opened final bids for the facility.
“It’s exciting,” said Mayor Joe Lee. “We feel like it will meet the needs of our community.”
Lee said the actual cost of the building will be approximately $5.3, but that figure does not include lighting and parking. Workers will construct the center adjacent to the newly built splash pad.
Angela Nash, with Formworks Architects and who designed the building, said the facility will have two gyms, workout spaces and meeting rooms. She said one gymnasium will be a multipurpose space and include a stage.
Mike Staggs, the parks and recreation director for the city, said what makes the facility unique is that it will have two racquetball courts. He said a large, elevated walking track will encircle both gymnasiums.
“I am tickled to dadgum death,” Staggs said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “This will meet our needs.”
Councilman Jeff Green said the new facility is needed and wanted by the community. Green said he has heard only positive comments about the city’s plan to construct the center.
“I try to keep up with what the community is saying,” said Green, who oversees the city’s website. “There has been nothing but positive comments.”
Roy Guy, with Rustic Building and who is the general manager overseeing the construction project, said work should begin within the next two to three weeks on the 55,000 square foot facility.
Lee said bids for the project came within budget. He said the new facility should be under a roof by December.
“I hope we open this in May or by next June,” Lee said. “That’s aggressive.”
City officials also said there are plans to construct a new public library across the street from the civic center.