A steamy, sticky July morning saw the crew from Nealco Construction of Naples continuing their progress on the Fairgrounds bathroom and storage project. Sheathing now covers the walls and the roof, and the team was beginning next steps of tying the new construction to the existing pavilion.
James Neal of Nealco showed a visitor the interior, where stubs in the floor mark the plumbing work to come. Septic work was completed earlier under a separate contract.
When completed, the building will have four stalls, including ADA-compliant ones, a water fountain and sinks, plus storage space. The design allows for a possible future concessions area.
Neal says the Fairgrounds project remains on track for completion this summer. It’s the latest of Nealco’s work for the Town. The company did the Library bell tower project last year and rehabbed the old garage at the Municipal Complex. Up next: ramp work to improve access to Town Hall, Neal said.
Parks and Recreation Director Sarah Rodriguez, a lead on the project, told NGX, “I’m really excited about what this will bring to the community. I hope people enjoy the upgrade along with everything the Fairgrounds offers.”
The long-awaited Fairgrounds bathroom/storage project received final funding at Town Meeting in May. Subsequently, Nealco was low bidder with a turnkey price of $249,000, under town estimates and within budgeted funds. Cost concerns were raised by some Town Meeting voters, but in the end the need for the facility and its value to all members of the community carried the day.
— Joanne Cole
