The third time may be the charm for the El Dorado Recreation Complex Commission, who will approach the El Dorado Works Board today with a funding request to continue a major expansion and improvement project at the recreation complex on Champagnolle Road.
The EWB’s regular monthly meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. today in the Council Chamber of City Hall.
The EWB will hear the presentation for the third time this year.
The board administers the city’s one-cent sales tax that is directed toward economic development, municipal infrastructure and quality-of-life projects.
Fifteen percent of the tax revenue is dedicated to quality-of-life projects, including 6% for sports, recreational or outdoor venues or projects.
The EUCRCC’s funding request centers on the second phase of the ongoing master plan to renovate and expand the complex.
Phase one got underway in late 2019 and was largely completed in 2021.
The first phase included two new soccer fields, two new baseball and softball fields and the completion of two existing baseball and softball fields — all on the south end of the complex.
New turf, lighting and fencing were also added to the four older fields on the north end of the facility.
The work was largely covered by $2.7 million from the El Dorado Works tax.
The El Dorado Advertising and Promotion Commission kicked in an additional $271,800 to help complete the soccer fields after complex commissioners learned there was a budget shortfall for phase one due to unexpected engineering costs.
Murphy USA donated two used kiosks to serve as concession stands for the south fields of the complex.
The kiosks are valued at $350,000 each and additional funding, $100,000, was spent to transport the structures from Georgia and to set them up at the complex in March of 2022.
Another $115,000 was taken from the complex budget for electrical and plumbing work.
Some electrical work remains, as well as the purchase of basic equipment and the installation of sliding glass…
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